This section of the island was less
densely populated than the other portions, and the loss of life was
comparatively small, although it must have aggregated several thousands.
The waters of Welcome Bay in the Sunda Straits, Pepper Bay on the east,
and the Indian Ocean on the south, had rushed in and formed a sea of
turbulent waves.
DETONATIONS HEARD FOR MANY MILES AWAY
"On Monday night the volcano of Papandayang was in an active state of
paroxysmal eruption, accompanied by detonations which are said to have
been heard for many miles away. In Sumatra three distinct columns of
flame were seen to rise from a mountain to a vast height, and its whole
surface was soon covered with fiery lava streams, which spread to
great distances on all sides. Stones fell for miles around, and black
fragmentary matter carried into the air caused total darkness. A
whirlwind accompanied the eruption, by which house-roofs, trees, men,
and horses were swept into the air. The quantity of matter ejected was
such as to cover the ground and the roofs of the houses at Denamo to
the depth of several inches. Suddenly the scene changed. At first it was
reported that Papandayang had been split into seven distinct peaks. This
proved untrue; but in the open seams formed could be seen great balls of
molten matter. From the fissures poured forth clouds of steam and black
lava, which, flowing in steady streams, ran slowly down the mountain
sides, forming beds 200 or 300 feet in extent.
Pages:
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383