Volcanic Eruptions on Flores Island Force Residents to Evacuate

Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency reported on Monday that the death toll has reached at least six due to a series of volcanic eruptions on the remote island of Flores.

Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted just after midnight on Monday, sending dense brownish ash up to 2,000 metres (6,500 feet) into the atmosphere. Hot ash subsequently descended upon a nearby village, resulting in the destruction of several houses, including a convent of Catholic nuns, according to Firman Yosef, an official at the Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki monitoring post.

The Disaster Management Agency revised the death toll down from an earlier count of nine, citing updated information from local authorities. The agency noted that the full extent of casualties and damage was still being assessed, with local media reporting that more people might be buried under collapsed buildings.

In response to the escalating activity, authorities raised the alert level for Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki on Monday. The volcano’s alert status was elevated to the highest level, and the exclusion zone was expanded to a 7-kilometre (4.3-mile) radius after midnight, as eruptions became more frequent.

The agency stated that the eruptions have impacted at least 10,000 people in Wulanggitang District, affecting six villages: Pululera, Nawokote, Hokeng Jaya, Klatanlo, Boru, and Boru Kedang.

In Ile Bura District, the villages of Dulipali, Nobo, Nurabelen, and Riang Rita were affected, while in Titehena District, the villages of Konga, Kobasoma, Bokang Wolomatang, and Watowara were impacted.

Volcanic material was ejected up to 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) from the crater, covering nearby villages and towns with volcanic debris and forcing residents to evacuate.

Frances Ibiefo

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