KRAKATOA

The 1883 eruption of KRAKATOA is among the most violent volcanic events in modern times (a volcanic explosivity index of 6, equivalent to 200 megatons of TNT - about 3000 Hiroshima-sized bomb blasts). Concussive air waves from the explosions travelled seven times around the world as three quarters of the island was sent into the air. Dust, ashes, and smoke rose to a height of about 50 miles, circling the Earth and creating unusual red sunsets for years to come. The cloud also blocked the sunlight, causing a worldwide drop in temperatures. Waves from the tsunamis were recorded at 100 feet and as far away as the english channel. Near KRAKATOA, according to official records, 165 villages and towns were destroyed and 132 seriously damaged, at least 36,417 people died. The explosion is considered to be the loudest noise ever heard by man.