Tragedy Strikes: Eruptions of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Claim Lives and Displace Thousands in Indonesia

Monday 04 November 2024 - 09:24

At least ten individuals have lost their lives following a series of volcanic eruptions from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a 1,703-meter (5,587-foot) twin volcano located on Flores Island in eastern Indonesia. The eruptions began shortly after midnight on Monday, unleashing fireballs and ash that devastated surrounding villages and resulted in significant property damage.

The spokesperson for Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency, Abdul Muhari, confirmed the fatalities during a press briefing, revealing that approximately 10,295 residents have been affected by the volcanic activity. The number of evacuees is still being assessed as authorities work to ensure the safety of those in the vicinity.

In response to the escalating eruptions, the country's volcanology agency raised the alert level to its highest status and expanded the exclusion zone to a radius of seven kilometers (4.3 miles). Reports indicate that at least six nearby villages, Pululera, Nawokote, Hokeng Jaya, Klatanlo, Boru, and Boru Kedang, have been impacted by the eruption.

Residents recounted harrowing experiences as flaming rocks were ejected toward their homes. One local hairdresser, Hermanus Mite, described how he was jolted awake by tremors and witnessed flames engulfing his salon. "I saw flames coming out and immediately fled. There were ashes and stones everywhere," he lamented.

Footage from the area shows houses blanketed in thick ash, with some structures ablaze. An AFP journalist reported that five villages have been evacuated, forcing thousands to seek refuge elsewhere. The ground is marked by depressions caused by falling molten rocks, and authorities have warned of potential rain-induced lava flows.

The volcanic activity at Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is part of a broader pattern of eruptions in Indonesia, which is situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an area known for its seismic activity due to tectonic plate movements. This latest eruption follows a series of significant volcanic events earlier this year that prompted evacuations across multiple regions.

In previous incidents, such as last December's eruption of Mount Marapi in West Sumatra, at least 24 climbers lost their lives. Additionally, heavy rains in May caused volcanic debris to sweep into residential areas, resulting in over 60 fatalities.

As rescue operations continue and authorities assess the full extent of the damage, the situation remains critical for those affected by this natural disaster.