Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency reported that a series of volcanic eruptions on the remote island of Flores has resulted in at least 10 fatalities. The eruption at Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki sent thick brownish ash soaring up to 2,000 meters into the air, causing hot ashes to rain down on several villages, including a convent of Catholic nuns. The volcanic material was ejected up to 6 kilometers from the crater, covering nearby communities with tons of debris and prompting residents to evacuate.
Rescuers are working tirelessly to locate more bodies buried under collapsed houses within a 4-kilometer radius of the crater. The eruption has impacted around 10,000 individuals in six villages of Wulanggitang District and four villages in Ile Bura district. Some displaced residents have sought refuge with relatives, while the local government is preparing schools to serve as temporary shelters.
The volcano monitoring agency raised the alert status to the highest level and expanded the exclusion zone to a 7-kilometer radius following increased eruption frequency. Tragically, a nun lost her life in Hokeng village, and another remains missing after fleeing from the volcanic ash shower.
Photos and videos circulating on social media depict houses engulfed in volcanic debris up to their rooftops in villages like Hokeng, where the eruption ignited fires in residential structures. Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, part of a volcanic pair known as the husband and wife mountains, has been a source of concern since January when 6,500 people were evacuated due to volcanic activity.
Monday's eruption, characterized by a blockage of magma in the crater leading to pressure buildup, marks Indonesia's second volcanic event in as many weeks. The country, home to 120 active volcanoes, is situated along the 'Ring of Fire,' a region prone to seismic activity due to its location along a series of fault lines encircling the Pacific Ocean.
