Volcano erupts in eastern Indonesia

[August 06, 2010]  JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) -- One of Indonesia's most active volcanoes erupted Friday, leaving several people badly injured, officials said.

Mount Karangetang, located on Siau, part of the Sulawesi island chain, spewed lava and hot ash hundreds of yards (meters) into the air.

At least four villagers living on the mountains slopes were missing, said Surono, a disaster official. Several others were badly hurt.

The volcano's last big eruption in July 2006 caused nearly 4,000 people to be evacuated from five villages.

Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago, is located on the so-called Pacific "Ring of Fire," an arc of volcanoes and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin.

[Associated Press]

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