Indonesia: Evacuation commences as volcanic eruption claims 10 lives
A distressing volcanic eruption in eastern Indonesia has claimed 10 lives, according to the country’s disaster mitigation agency.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located on Flores Island, erupted Sunday night, spewing lava, ash, and incandescent rocks, forcing authorities to evacuate nearby villages.
The eruption occurred at 23:57 local time, with a fiery red column of lava and volcanic ash belching from the crater. The Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) raised the volcano’s status to level IV, its highest alert level. A seven-kilometer radius around the volcano has been cleared, with authorities warning of potential further eruptions.
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The nearest settlements, just four kilometers from the crater, were severely affected, with fiery lava and rocks burning and damaging homes. At least nine people died, and seven villages were impacted. Evacuations began Monday morning, with residents relocated to villages 20 kilometers from the crater.
Indonesia’s location on the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it prone to seismic activity. Recent volcanic eruptions have caused widespread destruction and loss of life. In May, Mount Ibu on Halmahera island prompted evacuations from seven villages, while North Sulawesi’s Ruang volcano displaced over 12,000 people.
The country is still reeling from the aftermath of flash floods and cold lava flows from Mount Marapi in West Sumatra province, which claimed over 60 lives on May 11. Authorities continue to assess the damage and evacuee numbers following the latest eruption. The nation remains on high alert, bracing for potential further volcanic activity.
