Indonesia faces a humanitarian crisis after the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, raising fears of additional disasters as local authorities scramble to aid those displaced and vulnerable.
Tragedy Strikes as Mount Lewotobi Erupts: Death Toll Rises in Indonesia
Tragedy Strikes as Mount Lewotobi Erupts: Death Toll Rises in Indonesia
A devastating volcanic eruption in eastern Indonesia claims at least 10 lives, with widespread destruction reported across several villages.
At least 10 individuals have lost their lives following a catastrophic volcanic eruption in eastern Indonesia, according to officials. Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, situated on Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara province, erupted shortly after midnight local time. The Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMG) reported that the eruption sent fiery lava and debris flying towards villages, some as far as 4 km away from the volcano's crater, resulting in severe property damage.
Local officials have noted that the eruption affected seven villages. In response, PVMG elevated the volcano's alert status to its highest level, urging evacuation within a 7 km radius of the crater. "We initiated evacuations this morning to nearby communities located approximately 20 km from the crater," said Heronimus Lamawuran, a local government representative.
Eyewitness accounts shared with BBC News depict scenes of chaos, with footage showing residents covered in ash and structures engulfed in flames. Moreover, concerns over the aftermath loom large, as a spokesperson from Indonesia's disaster agency warned of impending flash floods and cold lava flows. In light of these threats, local authorities have declared a 58-day state of emergency, allowing the central government to mobilize aid for about 10,000 individuals affected by the eruption.
Indonesia sits upon the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” which is characterized by high seismic activity and frequent volcanic eruptions. The recent event follows earlier incidents, such as the eruption of Mount Ibu on Halmahera Island in May, which resulted in the evacuation of several villages. The current disaster underscores the persistent dangers faced by communities living in proximity to active volcanoes in the region.
