Blog note. Jesus indicated that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur leading up to the time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a combined seven year period of great destruction on earth). Although these types of things have occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they could be identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of these events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity, frequency, size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a women experiences in labor the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season of the times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation period

… 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).

… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25)

… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken; (Luke 21:26)

… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1)

Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of grace comes to a close. These verses are several 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.

Lava flow produced by Karangetang volcano forces evacuations, Indonesia

Posted by Teo Blašković on February 4, 2019. Watchers.news

At least 22 people were forced to evacuate on Monday, February 4, 2019, after lava flow produced by Mount Karangetan on Siau Island, Indonesia’s North Sulawesi reached Malebuhe River near Batubulan village.

The flow has almost reached the coastline as of February 3 and villages and roads in Siau Barat sub-district of Kepulauan Sitaro district, spokesman of the national disaster management agency Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said.

There are no reports of damages or casualties, Nugroho said, adding that evacuation is underway for those living near Malebuhe and Batuare rivers.

At least 22 people whose homes were directly in the path of lava flow have been evacuated so far and taken to their relatives.

“As of yesterday evening, lava front was only 200 m (650 feet) away from the coast where the ring road is located,” volcanologist Dr. Tom Pfeiffer said.

“An additional risk comes from the potential of the lava flow to generate pyroclastic flows – hot, deadly avalanches of ash and rock debris when parts of the flow emplaced on the steep flank collapse,” Pfeiffer added.

Residents and visitors/tourists are urged to approach to volcano within a 2.5 km (1.5 miles) radius of the main and northern crater and within 3 km (1.8 miles) in South, Southeast, West and Southwest sectors.

All nearby communities are expected to prepare masks in the event of ashfall and be aware of all potential threats, especially along the banks of Batuawang river to the beach.

The Alert Level for the volcano remains at 3 since December 21, 2019 after a sharp increase in the number of earthquakes under the volcano.

“The peculiarity of this eruption is that it’s coming from the normally less active northern summit crater,” Pfeiffer said.

“Slowly but steadily, the erupted lava was advancing as a narrow lava flow that has now traveled more than 3 000 m (1.8 miles) from the summit. Its front is approximately 100 m (328 feet) wide, judging from satellite imagery.”