JAKARTA: At least 10 people have died, and homes have been destroyed after a powerful volcanic eruption on the Indonesian island of Flores. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a volcano in the East Flores district, erupted on Monday night, sending ash plumes over 2 kilometres (1.24 miles) into the sky and scattering volcanic debris across several nearby villages.
The eruption destroyed numerous homes, including a convent, and led to widespread panic as villagers evacuated under a darkened sky filled with ash.
Authorities reported that volcanic materials were flung up to 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) from the crater, blanketing nearby towns with ash and prompting residents to flee. Rescuers are still searching for more bodies under collapsed buildings, while at least 10,000 residents across 10 villages are affected and in need of temporary shelter.
Some residents have sought refuge with relatives, while the local government prepares schools as makeshift accommodations.
The country’s disaster management agency raised the volcano’s alert level to its highest status, expanding the exclusion zone to a 4.3-mile radius from the crater due to increased eruption frequency. Tragically, a nun lost her life and another remains missing amid the volcanic debris in Hokeng village.
The eruption follows heightened volcanic activity in Indonesia, where Mount Marapi in West Sumatra erupted just days earlier, though without reported casualties. As part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” Indonesia, with 120 active volcanoes, experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity.
Indonesian authorities continue to monitor Lewotobi Laki-Laki, and officials urge residents to follow evacuation orders as they brace for further eruptions.
Agencies