With Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupting and sending a massive ash cloud into the sky, authorities have issued the highest alert, established a 7km exclusion zone, and advised evacuations amid concerns of mudflows and volcanic hazards.
Indonesia Faces Eruption Crisis as Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Erupts
Indonesia Faces Eruption Crisis as Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Erupts
The Indonesian volcano sends ash plumes soaring and prompts evacuation orders as officials declare a maximum alert.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, one of the archipelago's most energetic volcanoes, erupted majestically on Tuesday, lofting volcanic ash high into the atmosphere, exceeding 11 kilometers. This event led Indonesian authorities to issue the highest alert level following its eruption recorded at 17:35 local time (10:35 BST). The eruption occurred over the tourist destination of Flores, evoking memories of past fiery displays where the area suffered significant loss including nine lives last month.
To mitigate risks, a stringent 7km exclusion zone has been implemented around the volcanic crater of the 1,584m (one mile) tall volcano. Fortunately, there have been no immediate damage reports or casualties following this recent eruption. However, the head of the country's volcanology agency, Muhammad Wafid, emphasized the dangers present within the exclusion zone, calling for complete cessation of activities and cautioning against lahar floods that could occur with impending rainfall.
Residents living in proximity to Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki have been urged to wear protective masks against ash fallout as volcanic debris began to rain down in areas beyond the designated exclusion zone. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency has confirmed the evacuation of at least one village and acknowledged that tremors continue to be detected, a potentially alarming indication of ongoing eruption activity.
The twin peaks of Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which translates to "man" in Indonesian, have recently become infamous due to their explosive nature, marking their last significant eruption in May. In contrast, the nearby peak, Perempuan, or "woman," rises taller but remains notably calmer, highlighting the unpredictable nature of these geological giants in Indonesia's landscape.
