At least ten individuals have lost their lives following a powerful eruption at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, sparking serious concerns for the local population.
**Tragedy Strikes Indonesia: Eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Claims Lives**
**Tragedy Strikes Indonesia: Eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Claims Lives**
An intense volcanic eruption on Flores Island has resulted in fatalities and widespread evacuations.
At least 10 people were confirmed dead in eastern Indonesia as a result of a volcanic eruption at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki on Sunday, with officials alerting residents to a potential increase in seismic activity in the upcoming days. The eruption, which lasted over 24 minutes, initially occurred late Sunday and was followed by additional eruptions throughout the night. By Monday morning, smoke was reported to have reached 300 meters high, according to the Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation.
The eruption triggered over a dozen earthquakes, prompting warnings from the government regarding the risk of more tremors in the region. The National Agency for Disaster Management reported that at least nine bodies had been recovered, with another individual believed to be trapped under debris. The disaster affected seven villages, impacting around 10,000 residents, many of whom were compelled to evacuate to safer areas. Authorities have advised residents to maintain a distance of at least seven kilometers from the volcano.
Rescue efforts have been ongoing, particularly in the village of Klatanlo, one of the areas significantly impacted by the eruption. As part of the Pacific "Ring of Fire," Indonesia is home to numerous volcanoes that are highly active and have a history of deadly eruptions. Last year, for example, over 20 lives were lost due to an eruption of Mount Marapi in Sumatra.
Since the end of October, geological reports indicate that Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki has experienced a total of 43 eruptions. The latest event sent volcanic ash soaring up to 800 meters above the mountain's peak, marking a concerning uptick in activity at the site. Muhammad Wafid, the head of Indonesia’s Geological Agency, noted the “significant increase” in volcanic activity, raising alarms among the local population and scientists alike.
The eruption triggered over a dozen earthquakes, prompting warnings from the government regarding the risk of more tremors in the region. The National Agency for Disaster Management reported that at least nine bodies had been recovered, with another individual believed to be trapped under debris. The disaster affected seven villages, impacting around 10,000 residents, many of whom were compelled to evacuate to safer areas. Authorities have advised residents to maintain a distance of at least seven kilometers from the volcano.
Rescue efforts have been ongoing, particularly in the village of Klatanlo, one of the areas significantly impacted by the eruption. As part of the Pacific "Ring of Fire," Indonesia is home to numerous volcanoes that are highly active and have a history of deadly eruptions. Last year, for example, over 20 lives were lost due to an eruption of Mount Marapi in Sumatra.
Since the end of October, geological reports indicate that Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki has experienced a total of 43 eruptions. The latest event sent volcanic ash soaring up to 800 meters above the mountain's peak, marking a concerning uptick in activity at the site. Muhammad Wafid, the head of Indonesia’s Geological Agency, noted the “significant increase” in volcanic activity, raising alarms among the local population and scientists alike.
