Officials have confirmed at least 10 deaths following the explosive eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in eastern Indonesia early on Monday morning. The volcano erupted at 23:57 local time, as reported by the Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMG). The eruption unleashed lava and volcanic rocks, impacting nearby villages located within 4 kilometers (about two miles) from the crater, resulting in extensive destruction of homes and infrastructure.
At least 10 fatalities reported as Mount Lewotobi erupts in Indonesia
At least 10 fatalities reported as Mount Lewotobi erupts in Indonesia
A powerful eruption on Flores Island has led to significant damage and loss of life.
As of now, seven villages have reported damage, prompting officials to elevate the volcano's alert status to the highest level. PVMG warned that a 7-kilometer (four-mile) exclusion zone has been established around the crater to ensure the safety of residents. “We have begun the process of evacuating residents to safer locations approximately 20 kilometers (13 miles) away," stated local official Heronimus Lamawuran.
Eyewitness footage sent to BBC News depicted the catastrophic aftermath, showing individuals blanketed in ash and buildings engulfed in flames due to the eruption's violent ejection of fiery materials. An official from Indonesia's disaster agency has cautioned of possible flash floods and hazardous cold lava flows in the immediate future as dousing rains mix with the remnants of the eruption.
In light of the situation, local authorities have declared a 58-day state of emergency, enabling the central government to facilitate aid for around 10,000 residents affected by the volcanic activities. Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, which is one of two significant volcanic peaks in Flores, has experienced intermittent eruptions since December of the previous year. The ongoing activity has severely disrupted the local economy, particularly affecting agriculture, as ashfall has devastated cashew nut harvests.
Indonesia lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a region notorious for its seismic volatility, hosting about 130 active volcanoes. Many residents inhabit these perilous areas primarily for agricultural purposes, given the fertile soil characteristics that come from volcanic ash.
Eyewitness footage sent to BBC News depicted the catastrophic aftermath, showing individuals blanketed in ash and buildings engulfed in flames due to the eruption's violent ejection of fiery materials. An official from Indonesia's disaster agency has cautioned of possible flash floods and hazardous cold lava flows in the immediate future as dousing rains mix with the remnants of the eruption.
In light of the situation, local authorities have declared a 58-day state of emergency, enabling the central government to facilitate aid for around 10,000 residents affected by the volcanic activities. Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, which is one of two significant volcanic peaks in Flores, has experienced intermittent eruptions since December of the previous year. The ongoing activity has severely disrupted the local economy, particularly affecting agriculture, as ashfall has devastated cashew nut harvests.
Indonesia lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a region notorious for its seismic volatility, hosting about 130 active volcanoes. Many residents inhabit these perilous areas primarily for agricultural purposes, given the fertile soil characteristics that come from volcanic ash.
