1. On the 27-August-1883 a volcano called Krakatao erupted, it was the most violent explosion in history, 21,547.6 times more powerful than an atom bomb. It sent fiery ash around at speeds up to 160.9344 km/ph

9. The sun appeared blue and green because fine ash and aerosol erupted more than 50
km into the air that has been said to travel around the globe in 13 days. As the ash spread
into a higher and higher, sunsets became red and glowing, so red that fire engines where
called out of New York. The unusual sunsets continued for another three years.

At 6 o\u2019clock, I went to the beach. The sea was so low that many cliffs were visible. It
looked queer and I did not feel at ease. I called for van Zuylen, my assistant, so that we
could draw up a report to the resident about what had happened.

Van Zuylen, the servant and I left the house in a hurry and invited everyone to take
shelter in my house, which they accepted. I did so because my house was built on piles
and situated on a hill.

The water once again returned to the sea Everybody calmed down. But only for a short
while because, almost at once, we heard the water approaching again with a terrible
noise. 200-300 people were sheltering in my house.

But, my God, scarcely was I standing than the house collapsed completely and the current
dragged all of us along. I got hold of a shelf with which I floated along until I was pulled
by the legs and let go of the shelf. After that, I got hold of a few pieces of thin wood and
managed to stay afloat until the water returned to the sea and I felt solid ground under my
feet. However, I stayed where I was and covered my head with my coat to protect myself
against the mud rain. I heard men, women and children call for help, but any help was
impossible. I could not raise myself out of weakness and fear and could not see a thing.

Suddenly the water returned with the same force. I said a quick prayer, asking for help for everybody, and myself and prepared myself for death. The water took hold of me, turned me around, and threw me away with terrible force.

Then I was stuck between two floating houses. I couldn't breath anymore and I thought that the end was come. But suddenly they parted and I got hold of a banana trunk and stuck to it with all my strength. I don't know how long I floated around, but the water returned to the sea and once again I stood on solid ground.

A moment later, I heard a native talking to a few women. I called out to them and
proposed we walk along together, which was accepted. I left my place with closed eyes
and touched the ground all around, leaving the sea behind me. I did not have any clothes