Multiple Disasters Wreak Destruction in Indonesia

Multiple Disasters Wreak Destruction in IndonesiaJakarta, Oct 27. -Over 150 dead, hundreds missing, and seriously damaged infrastructure are part of the catastrophic scenario in Indonesia, after a powerful earthquake, floods and the eruption of Mount Merapi volcano.

The combination of those three elements forced the urgent return to the country of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who was attending a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Vietnam.

Monday�s earthquake caused a tsunami with waves up to three meters that devastated coastal villages in large parts of the island of Sumatra, the National Disaster Management Agency reported.

In the midst of rescue operations, hindered by limited access to the affected regions, Moubt Merapi began to erupt in Java, leading to the evacuation of residents, with 28 reported dead and hundreds injured.

Indonesia also suffered the recent scourge of a typhoon, which killed 100 people and led to millions in losses in agriculture.

Indonesia, a vast archipelago, sits on the Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates, has 129 active volcanoes and is one of the hardest hit by typhoons, with an average of 20 annually. (Prensa Latina)