Indonesian Volcano Eruption Disrupts Fruit, Vegetable Supply

We begin with the latest on a volcanic eruption in Indonesia today. Farmers in Sumatra have been hit hard by the spewing of ash and smoke, which have ruined much of their fruits and vegetables. This is the first time the volcano erupted in 400 years.

Farmers in Sumatra, Indonesia have returned to their crops to salvage what they can as volcanic activity from Mount Sinabung has quieted down.

Locals say their smoke-damaged fruits and vegetables will likely not sell at market and will ultimately have an adverse affect on the economy.

"Since the eruption, prices for fruits and vegetables in Brastagi are high."

"The harvest is down because no one is coming to buy and our crops are not tended to.”

The volcanic eruption last week has slowed down the tourism business as well.

Berastagi is a major tourist destination in North Sumatra, surrounded by mountain ranges, and tends to have mild climates.

"It is difficult, the prices are too high… no visitors are coming."

Indonesia is on the so-called Pacific Rim of Fire, an arc of volcanoes and geological fault lines triggering frequent earthquakes around the Pacific Basin.