At least 10 people have tragically lost their lives following a series of powerful volcanic eruptions on Flores Island, Indonesia. The eruptions occurred at Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a twin volcano standing at 1,703 meters (5,587 feet) and known for its majestic, albeit volatile, nature. This series of eruptions began shortly after midnight on Monday, sending streams of molten lava, ash, and flaming debris across nearby villages. The intense volcanic activity ignited homes and forced residents to flee in the darkness.
Over 10,000 individuals have been affected, with many awaiting relocation to safer areas. Rescue teams are actively evacuating residents from villages within the danger zone, including Pululera, Nawokote, Hokeng Jaya, Klatanlo, Boru, and Boru Kedang. Authorities raised the volcano’s alert level to the highest status, expanding the exclusion zone around the crater to a 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) radius due to the risk of additional eruptions.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the volcano began its eruption, with residents jolted awake by tremors and the sight of flames engulfing the surrounding areas. Hermanus Mite, a local hairdresser, recalled his terror as he watched his salon catch fire, ultimately losing everything in the flames.
The region’s volcanology agency has issued further warnings, advising residents to stay vigilant against potential rain-induced lava flows and wear masks to avoid inhaling volcanic ash. Klatanlo village, among others, sustained significant damage, with homes collapsing under the weight of the ash and lava.
This latest eruption follows an increase in volcanic activity in the region, including a major eruption last week that sent a towering ash plume 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) into the atmosphere. Earlier eruptions in January also led to evacuations of thousands of residents as authorities monitored the mountain’s activity.
As part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” Indonesia is no stranger to volcanic and seismic events. Recent deadly eruptions, such as Mount Marapi in December and Mount Ruang in May, have underscored the dangers facing communities near these volatile landscapes. The government continues to monitor Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki closely, while affected residents begin the process of recovery amidst the ongoing threat.
