Devastating Volcanic Eruption in Indonesia Claims at Least 10 Lives and Destroys Homes
Overview of the Eruption
Fundacion Rapala – Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency has reported that at least 10 people have died following a series of volcanic eruption on the remote island of Flores. The eruption at Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, which began around midnight, sent thick brownish ash soaring up to 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) into the sky, blanketing several villages and igniting widespread destruction.
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Impact on Local Communities
Firman Yosef, an official at the Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki monitoring post, noted that the eruption produced volcanic material that traveled as far as 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the crater. The hot ashes and debris struck homes, including a convent for Catholic nuns, leading to significant damage and destruction. “The thick ash covered houses up to their rooftops,” he remarked, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Rescue efforts are underway as authorities search for more bodies believed to be trapped under the rubble of collapsed homes. Over 10,000 individuals have been impacted by the eruptions across six villages in Wulanggitang District and four in Ile Bura District. Many residents have sought refuge in the homes of relatives, while local officials are preparing schools to serve as temporary shelters.
Increased Alert Status
In response to the escalating situation, Indonesia’s volcano monitoring agency elevated the alert status of Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki to its highest level, expanding the exclusion zone to a 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) radius. As eruptions have become more frequent, officials are closely monitoring the developments. A nun from Hokeng village tragically lost her life during the chaos, with another reported missing. Agusta Palma, head of the Saint Gabriel Foundation overseeing convents on the island, described the harrowing moments when nuns fled amid falling volcanic ash, stating, “Our nuns ran out in panic under a rain of volcanic ash in the darkness.”
Eyewitness Accounts and Community Response
Residents captured scenes of volcanic debris burying homes, particularly in Hokeng, where the intensity of the eruption led to fiery destruction.
Geological Context
Lewotobi Laki Laki, part of a duo of stratovolcanoes in East Floresis commonly referred to in local lore as the husband mountain. Its counterpart, Lewotobi Perempuan, means “woman” in the local language. In Fortunately, that incident resulted in no casualties or significant damage, but the airport has remained closed due to ongoing seismic concerns.
Expert Insights
On a recent video conference, Muhammad Wafid, head of the Geology Agency at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, explained that the current eruptions differ from January’s due to magma blockage in the crater.
Recent Volcanic Activity in Indonesia
This eruption marks Indonesia’s second volcanic activity in just a few weeks, following Mount Marapi’s eruption in West Sumatra on October 27, which also produced significant ash but, fortunately, did not result in any fatalities. Indonesia, home to around 280 million people, is particularly susceptible to volcanic eruptions due to its position along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for its seismic activity.