Indonesia: Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano erupts again, prompting warnings of further hazards
EAST FLORES (Indonesia) – The Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano erupted again on Saturday, sending a thick column of ash nine kilometres into the sky, raising fears of debris flows due to heavy rainfall.
The 1,703-meter-high volcano, located on the tourist island of Flores, has erupted more than ten times this week, killing nine people in the overnight hours between Monday and Tuesday.
This new eruption, which began at 4:47 AM local time (20:47 GMT Friday), caused no immediate damage in the surrounding areas, according to initial reports.
However, the volcanology agency has urged residents in the area to “remain vigilant” due to the risk of “cold lava flows,” a mixture of volcanic materials including ash, sand, and rocks, which are carried by rain.
Authorities have warned the thousands of people who fled not to return home, as the government plans to evacuate about 16,000 residents from the danger zone.
The series of eruptions throughout the week has already affected more than 10,000 people across 14 villages, with over half of them seeking refuge in makeshift emergency shelters.
Kanesius Didimus, head of the local disaster management agency, reported that 2,384 houses and public facilities were damaged or collapsed after tonnes of volcanic material struck the buildings.
Rescue workers, police, and soldiers continue to search the devastated areas to ensure that all residents have been evacuated from the danger zone.
As of Saturday, logistical and relief supplies have been provided to approximately 10,700 displaced people across eight evacuation sites.
