The latest and trending news from around the world.
Antwerpse vriendinnen doorstaan helse tocht om aan vulkaanuitbarsting in Indonesië te ontsnappen: “We lachen nu gewoon van miserie” from
Antwerp friends endure hellish trek to escape Indonesian volcano eruption: ‘We laugh now out of misery’
Two friends from Antwerp describe their miraculous escape from the erupting Mount Semeru volcano
In a dramatic turn of events, the pair, who were amongst hundreds stranded on a nearby beach, managed to board the final rescue boat that evacuated the area before disaster struck
Two friends from Antwerp have recounted their miraculous escape after being caught in the deadly volcanic eruption on Indonesia’s Java island.
The pair, who were holidaying on the Indonesian island of Java, were among hundreds of tourists and locals who were left stranded on a nearby beach after the eruption of Mount Semeru.
The volcano erupted on Saturday, spewing ash and debris high into the sky and sending pyroclastic flows – fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic matter – down its slopes.
The eruption caused widespread damage and loss of life, with at least 22 people confirmed dead and dozens more injured.
The two friends, who have not been named, were among those who were forced to flee to the beach after the eruption. They were stranded there for several hours, as ash and debris rained down from the sky and pyroclastic flows swept past.
Eventually, a rescue boat arrived and evacuated the stranded people. The friends were among the last to board the boat, and they only just made it out alive.
“We were so lucky to get on that boat,” one of the friends said. “If we had been any later, we would have been caught in the pyroclastic flows.”
The friends have since returned to Antwerp, where they are recovering from their ordeal. They said they are still in shock from what they experienced, but they are grateful to be alive.
“We laugh now out of misery,” one of the friends said. “We can’t believe we survived.”
The eruption of Mount Semeru is a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for natural disasters.
Here are some tips for staying safe in the event of a volcanic eruption:
*
Be aware of the risks of volcanic eruptions in the area where you are traveling.
*
Follow the advice of local authorities.
*
If you are in an area that is affected by a volcanic eruption, stay indoors and close all windows and doors.
*
If you are outside, seek shelter in a building or a sturdy vehicle.
*
Cover your mouth and nose with a mask or cloth to protect yourself from ash and debris.
