An explosion is likely only if the level of the present volcanic unrest is sustained. 4 DEAD - More than 850,000 cattle have been killed in recent weeks. Government officials reported that they feared the toll would rise even further as newborn calves perish. 1 DEAD - trees and power lines were toppled. The storm's winds increased from 46 mph to 92 mph and were predicted to intensify further.
Seismic data shows the presence of small phreatic explosions.
Last week, steam plumes with heights reaching as high as 3,000 feet above the summit were visible. It has erupted at least 29 times since 1775. Recent activity has occurred since June 1999. Two communities were leveled by Thursday's early morning temblor, which also destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes and killed 550 cattle in Khorasan Province. Ten communities in the nearby district of Bardaskan also suffered extensive damage.