Volcano erupts on Japanese island
TOKYO – A volcano erupted Friday in spectacular fashion on a small island in southern Japan, spewing out rocks and sending black clouds of ash 5.6 miles into the sky. Authorities told people on the island to evacuate.
One person was reported to have suffered minor burns from falling debris after Mount Shindake erupted, sending dense flows of rock and hot gases seaward, the Japan Meteorological Agency reported.
The injured man was airlifted to nearby Yakushima island, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said.
Croatia approves aid for war victims
ZAGREB, Croatia – Croatian lawmakers on Friday passed a bill that compensates the victims of rape during the country’s war for independence more than 20 years ago, a move hailed as a late but important step in healing the wounds of the 1991-95 conflict.
Parliament passed the legislation, which entitles the victims to a one-time compensation of some $14,000, a monthly allowance, as well as health care, counseling and legal aid with 86 votes in favor and three abstentions.
Experts have estimated that several thousand women suffered some form of sexual violence during the war that broke out when Croatia declared independence from former Yugoslavia in 1991.
Associated press
