Blog note: And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luke 21:11). Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of grace comes to a close. This verse from Luke is one of many such prophecies from throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This list can go on. Most studied eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like a woman having labor pains that occur in greater severity, frequency, size and duration prior to giving birth. End of note.

Strong eruption of Mount Soputan in Sulawesi after deadly M7.5 earthquake and tsunami, Indonesia

Posted by TW on October 03, 2018. Watchers.news.

Mount Soputan in North Sulawesi erupted early Wednesday, October 3, 2018, producing volcanic ash column up to 6.8 km (22 000 feet) above sea level. Authorities have increased the Alert Level from 2 to 3 (of 4), warning residents not to approach within 4 – 6.5 km (2.5 – 4 miles) of the crater. The Aviation Color Code was raised to Red. The last eruption of this volcano took place in 2016 (VEI 3).

Increase in the number of seismic events at the volcano has been detected since the end of August 2018, Soputan Volcano Observatory reported 22:46 UTC on October 2, raising the Aviation Color Code from Green to Yellow.

The eruption started at 00:47 UTC (08:47 LT) on October 3, with the ash-cloud top up to 5 809 m (18 589 feet) a.s.l., the observatory reported, adding that it may be higher than can be observed clearly.

“Eruption and ash emission is continuing and ash-cloud is moving WNW,” it said

At 04:18 UTC, the ash-cloud top was estimated at around 6.8 km (21 789 feet) a.s.l. (possibly higher) and the observatory raised the Aviation Color Code to Red.

Seismic activity is characterized by the continuous volcanic tremor.

Ash is drifting to the west and northwest and it will not disrupt flights, authorities said, adding that Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado is still operating normally.

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) has advised local residents not to approach within 4 km (2.5 miles) of the summit and as far as 6.5 km (4 miles) west-southwest from the summit to avoid the potential threat of lava and pyroclastic flows.

CVGHM advised residents to prepare face masks in case of ash fall and the North Sulawesi Disaster Mitigation Agency has started distributing them.

The community must be aware of the potential threat of lava flows that can occur during an eruption, especially in Ranowangko River, Lawian River, Popang River and Londola Kelewahu.