A volcano in eastern Indonesia erupted once again on Thursday, sending a massive column of ash into the sky just two days after it had expelled fiery rocks onto nearby villages, resulting in nine fatalities.
The country’s volcanology agency reported seven eruptions on Thursday, with ash rising nearly 8 kilometers into the atmosphere, according to an observation post. Authorities have raised the alert level to its highest point, although no immediate damage has been reported in surrounding villages following the latest eruptions.
Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a 1,703-meter-high volcano located on the tourist island of Flores, launched fiery rocks into populated areas from Monday night to Tuesday, igniting wooden houses. Initially, authorities reported ten deaths but later revised the toll downwards. Several dozen individuals sustained injuries.
The volcano erupted again on Tuesday, releasing ash a kilometer into the air. Local authorities have established a safety perimeter with a radius of seven kilometers around the crater and advised residents and tourists to stay away.
More than 10,000 people have been affected by these eruptions, according to officials. Laki-Laki, which means “man” in Indonesian, is paired with a calmer volcano named after the Indonesian word for “woman.” The vast Indonesian archipelago frequently experiences seismic and volcanic activity due to its location on the “Pacific Ring of Fire.”
