In a tragic turn of events, a volcano situated in eastern Indonesia erupted overnight, claiming the lives of at least ten individuals. As fireballs and ash rained down upon the surrounding villages, officials promptly elevated the volcano’s alert status to the highest level.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which towers at 1,703 meters, is one half of a twin volcano and is located on the stunning tourist island of Flores. The eruption first occurred just before midnight, leading authorities to enact emergency evacuations for several nearby communities.
During a press conference, Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), confirmed the grim death toll, stating that over 10,295 people have been affected by the volcanic activity. Eyewitness footage shared with AFP depicted scenes of devastation, with villages engulfed in thick ash, while some areas were seen ablaze.
Images captured shortly after the eruption revealed wooden homes ignited by the fierce heat, with the earth pocked with craters formed from the ascent of molten rocks. “We are seeing the aftereffects of an intense geological event,” said a local resident, clearly shaken by the happenings. The agency focused on the crater’s activity, indicating that the initial eruption occurred just before midnight, followed by additional eruptions at 1:27 AM and 2:48 AM.
A collapsed structure in Klatanlo village illustrated the calamity in the aftermath of the explosive volcanic episodes.
The authorities issued a stern warning, raising the alert level to its peak and advising locals and tourists alike to avoid any activities within a seven-kilometer radius of the crater. “Volcanic activity on Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has surged significantly,” the volcanology agency stated in a press release. Accompanying their statement were haunting images showcasing collapsed roofs after being struck by volcanic debris, along with local residents seeking refuge in communal shelters.
The threat of danger didn’t cease there; the volcanology unit cautioned residents about possible rain-triggered lava floods and encouraged them to wear protective masks to safeguard against the debilitating effects of volcanic ash.
Only days before this eruption, the volcano had shown signs of unrest. Last week witnessed a series of eruptions, the most significant of which occurred on Thursday, releasing a towering column of ash that ascended approximately 2,000 meters into the atmosphere.
Rescue teams sprang into action, scouring the area for victims amid the chaos, remnants left in the wake of nature’s force.
This is not the first instance of unrest from this mountain; January saw several major eruptions prompting elevated alert levels, resulting in the evacuation of around 2,000 residents from the vicinity.
Indonesia, an expansive nation comprising countless islands, frequently grapples with volcanic activity due to its geographical location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an extensive zone known for its seismic and volcanic volatility.
Last December, Mount Marapi, one of the country’s most active volcanoes located in West Sumatra, erupted, leading to the tragic deaths of 24 climbers, many of whom were university students. Moreover, in May, torrential rains contributed to over 60 fatalities as volcanic materials from Marapi inundated residential areas, obliterating homes in their path.
That same month, Mount Ruang in North Sulawesi province erupted multiple times, forcing thousands of residents from neighboring islands to evacuate, fleeing for their safety as nature unleashed its fury once more.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
