Volcano erupts in Andaman Islands

AFP ^ | 30dec04 | From correspondents in Port Blair

[kidd]

INDIA's last active volcano, in the Andaman and Nicobar islands, has erupted in the aftermath of the earthquake that set off tsunamis killing thousands of people, official sources said today.

People have been evacuated from Barren Island since the eruption began on Tuesday night and there are no reports of injury. Lava was flowing out of the rim of the crater, which towers above the Indian Ocean, the sources said.

Tourists used to visit by boat and the island has a police station.

The volcano, known as Barren 1, is located 135km north-east of the capital Port Blair and last erupted in 1996.

It runs about 150 fathoms under the sea and usually gives off smoke.

M M Mukherjee of the Geological Survey of India said the volcano presented little real danger.

"The risk is minimised because it is surrounded by the sea so if at all there is a lava flow it will roll off into the sea," he said.

The Andamans has reported a series of major aftershocks daily since the massive undersea earthquake off Sumatra.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located near a zone of intense tectonic activity.

A second volcano, called Narcondam and considered dormant, lies close to Barren Island, which also erupted in 1991 after more than a century of inactivity

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

Sakes, these people have enough on their plate right now. I hope the volcano continues to be no big deal.

[FDNYRHEROES]

There's definitely proof of global warming in there somewhere...

[curmudgeonII]

Obviously it's all President Bush's fault.

[SauronOfMordor]

"The risk is minimised because it is surrounded by the sea so if at all there is a lava flow it will roll off into the sea," he said.

Famous last words. Obviously, he hasn't researched the Krakatoa explosion of 1883 (volcanic explosion estimated at 150 megatons, creating 120-foot tsunami):

Krakatoa's paroxysmal explosion was "phreatomagmatic" . Ocean water entered the magmatic chambers of the volcano when its walls begun to rupture. Super heated steam built tremendous pressure which, in turn, resulted in the large explosion of the volcano. The violent explosion of released gases blasted huge quantities of ash, cinders, pumice, bombs, and larger blocks skyward. The explosion was followed by the collapse of the volcanic remnants into the empty magmatic chambers, thus forming a submerged caldera.

[reaganaut]

Hubby got a book on Karatoa for Christmas from his parents, after this he hasn't put the book down.

[SouthernFreebird]

I don't think they need anything else messing with the sea.

[handy old one]

Plenty of unemployed NHL player to take up the fight.

[Slicksadick]

lots of island info here....
http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/current_volcs/barren_isle/Barren_Isle.html

[BenLurkin]

"Barren 1"

Isn't that Hilllary's vanity license plate?

[konaice]

Jeeze, Like the girl with the bloody nose said:
It its not one godmmed thing its another!!!

[Strategerist]

THIS REPORT TURNED OUT TO BE INCORRECT.

Barren Island is NOT erupting.

This actually was a "mud volcano" on Baratang Island which isn't really a volcano; it's caused by natural gas escaping...there are hundreds in Azerbaijan and the Caspian Sea.

[weenie]

ping

[AnnaZ]

Lord, have mercy.

[First_Salute]

Bump.

[snopercod]

Just as you predicted.

[rohtol]

10Then (Jesus) said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. 12“But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13This will result in your being witnesses to them. 14But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17All men will hate you because of me. 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By standing firm you will gain life.

20“When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. 21Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 22For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. 23How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

25“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Luke 21:10-28 (NIV)

Call me a fanatic, but I don't think all of these catastrophes have been conincidences... Jesus Christ IS coming back, and it will be soon.

[snopercod]

it's caused by natural gas escaping...

So then we might say that Gaia has "the vapors"?

[snopercod]

Jesus Christ IS coming back...

Everybody look busy!

[Strategerist]

So do people do not read replies any more?

THIS REPORT TURNED OUT TO BE WRONG.

BARREN ISLAND IS NOT ERUPTING.

http://www.terradaily.com/2004/041230110931.rut50dbx.html

"The Geological Survey of India describes the Baratang crater as a mud volcano covering an area of about 1,200 square metres (1,440 yards), which has been increasing in size from a minor fissure."

"Official sources earlier mistakenly sited the volcano on Barren Island, site of a crater traditionally known as the only active volcano in India."

Mud volcanoes aren't "real" volcanoes. They aren't listed as such on volcano websites, etc. They're caused by naturally escaping natural gas from oil formations, etc.