In a devastating event, at least nine individuals lost their lives following the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in eastern Indonesia. The volcano erupted on Sunday night, unleashing powerful plumes of lava that prompted authorities to evacuate several nearby villages to ensure the safety of residents.
Located on Flores Island in the East Nusa Tenggara province, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted at 23:57 local time (15:57 GMT), releasing a fiery column of lava, volcanic ash, and incandescent rocks into the sky. Hadi Wijaya, a spokesperson for The Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), confirmed the details of the eruption on Monday, emphasizing the intensity of the volcanic activity.
Following the eruption, the region experienced power outages, further complicating the situation for the residents. As heavy rain and intense lightning struck the area, panic spread among the population. In response to the eruption, authorities elevated the volcano’s alert status to level IV, the highest possible level, indicating a significant threat to safety.
The PVMBG has issued recommendations for a precautionary zone, advising that a seven-kilometer (4.35 miles) radius around the volcano should be evacuated to prevent further casualties. This tragic incident highlights the ongoing risks posed by volcanic activity in Indonesia, an archipelago known for its numerous active volcanoes. Emergency services are currently on high alert as they continue to assess the situation and provide assistance to those affected.