The volcano's explosive activity signals potential hazards, including ash falls and possible lahar floods, leading authorities to implement strict safety protocols.
**Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Erupts: Indonesia Raises Alert Level to Highest**
**Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Erupts: Indonesia Raises Alert Level to Highest**
Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupts, prompting evacuations and safety measures across Flores island.
One of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, Lewotobi Laki-Laki, erupted on Tuesday, sending a colossal ash plume soaring over 11 kilometers into the atmosphere and prompting officials to declare the highest alert status. The eruption occurred at 17:35 local time (10:35 BST) and affected the vibrant tourist landscape of Flores island.
In response to the eruption, authorities established a 7-kilometer exclusion zone around the 1,584-meter (approximately one-mile) high twin-peaked volcano. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries. However, the local geology agency's head, Muhammad Wafid, emphasized the dangers posed by potential lahar floods – fast-moving channels of volcanic debris – should heavy rainfall occur.
In light of the eruption, residents living near the volcano are being advised to wear masks to safeguard against volcanic ash fallout. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency reported that at least one village has been evacuated, and ash rainfall has been observed in surrounding areas beyond the exclusion zone, further complicating public safety efforts.
Authorities are urging residents near the volcano to seek safe locations as tremors signaling ongoing volcanic activity continue to be detected. The recent outburst follows a series of eruptions in November that resulted in nine fatalities and necessitated mass evacuations.
The name Lewotobi Laki-Laki translates to "man" in Indonesian, and this volcano is paired with its calmer counterpart, Perempuan, which means "woman" and stands taller at 1,703 meters. As the situation develops, authorities remain vigilant in monitoring the volcano's activity and the impact on the local communities.
In response to the eruption, authorities established a 7-kilometer exclusion zone around the 1,584-meter (approximately one-mile) high twin-peaked volcano. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries. However, the local geology agency's head, Muhammad Wafid, emphasized the dangers posed by potential lahar floods – fast-moving channels of volcanic debris – should heavy rainfall occur.
In light of the eruption, residents living near the volcano are being advised to wear masks to safeguard against volcanic ash fallout. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency reported that at least one village has been evacuated, and ash rainfall has been observed in surrounding areas beyond the exclusion zone, further complicating public safety efforts.
Authorities are urging residents near the volcano to seek safe locations as tremors signaling ongoing volcanic activity continue to be detected. The recent outburst follows a series of eruptions in November that resulted in nine fatalities and necessitated mass evacuations.
The name Lewotobi Laki-Laki translates to "man" in Indonesian, and this volcano is paired with its calmer counterpart, Perempuan, which means "woman" and stands taller at 1,703 meters. As the situation develops, authorities remain vigilant in monitoring the volcano's activity and the impact on the local communities.
