Volcano Erupts in Western Burma
Htein Linn - Mizzima News
A local resident told Mizzima that a mud volcano, known as Sai Chung volcano, located on the Sai Chung Island east of Kyawk Phyu town in Arakan state of Burma erupted on Saturday at about 11:45 a.m (local time) sending rocks, tongues of fire, lava and smoke up into the air prompting residents to flee their homes.
"Till today the lava is still overflowing. And fearing that there might be more eruption, local villagers are fleeing from the village. Many fled to Sai Kathein, and Sittaw villages and some even fled up to Kyawk Phyu town," a local resident said.
The local, however, said there were no human casualties.
Meanwhile, a report in the Burmese government's mouthpiece, New Light of Myanmar newspaper said the eruption of the mud-volcano send fire flashes, ashes, and lava up to 300 meter into the air.
While the eruption did not cause any casualties, the whole mountain is covered with lava and ashes, the report added.
" A similar volcano erupted in December 2006. So, the local people are scared that there might be a strong eruption this time. So far the authorities have done nothing to send relief to the villagers," the local resident added.
www.mizzima.com/MizzimaNews/news/2008/Jan/15-Jan-2008.html