Authorities warn of continued volcanic activity and potential earthquakes.
At Least 10 Lives Lost as Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Erupts in Indonesia
At Least 10 Lives Lost as Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Erupts in Indonesia
A volcanic eruption has led to fatalities and mass evacuations from surrounding villages.
On Sunday, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in eastern Indonesia erupted, claiming at least 10 lives and prompting evacuations from nearby villages. According to officials, the volcano erupted for over 24 minutes during the night, resulting in multiple eruptions and a towering smoke column reaching 300 meters by morning.
The Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation reports that the eruption has caused significant damage across seven villages, impacting approximately 10,000 residents. Many fled their homes, seeking refuge in safer areas. The National Agency for Disaster Management confirmed the recovery of nine bodies, with one more individual trapped under debris.
Rescue operations continued into Monday as teams scoured Klatanlo, one of the affected villages. Local authorities advised residents to maintain a distance of at least seven kilometers from the volcano, anticipating further volcanic activity. Since late October, the volcano has erupted 43 times, according to Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, with the most recent eruption sending ash clouds soaring as high as 800 meters.
Situated within the Pacific Ocean's Ring of Fire, Indonesia is home to numerous active volcanoes that frequently lead to devastating eruptions. In 2023, another eruption in Sumatra claimed more than 20 lives, underscoring the dangers posed by these natural phenomena. Muhammad Wafid, head of the Geological Agency, emphasized the significant uptick in volcanic activity at Mount Lewotobi, signaling ongoing risks for the surrounding communities.
The Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation reports that the eruption has caused significant damage across seven villages, impacting approximately 10,000 residents. Many fled their homes, seeking refuge in safer areas. The National Agency for Disaster Management confirmed the recovery of nine bodies, with one more individual trapped under debris.
Rescue operations continued into Monday as teams scoured Klatanlo, one of the affected villages. Local authorities advised residents to maintain a distance of at least seven kilometers from the volcano, anticipating further volcanic activity. Since late October, the volcano has erupted 43 times, according to Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, with the most recent eruption sending ash clouds soaring as high as 800 meters.
Situated within the Pacific Ocean's Ring of Fire, Indonesia is home to numerous active volcanoes that frequently lead to devastating eruptions. In 2023, another eruption in Sumatra claimed more than 20 lives, underscoring the dangers posed by these natural phenomena. Muhammad Wafid, head of the Geological Agency, emphasized the significant uptick in volcanic activity at Mount Lewotobi, signaling ongoing risks for the surrounding communities.
