At least nine people have been killed in an eruption of the Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano in eastern Indonesia, according to official figures. Several surrounding villages have been evacuated and rescue and evacuation efforts are underway.
The volcano on Flores island in East Nusa Tenggara province erupted on Sunday evening, throwing lava, ash and rocks into the air, a spokesman for the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazards (PVMBG) said on Monday.
Lava, ash, lightning, glowing boulders
“After the eruption, there were power outages, then rain and heavy lightning, causing residents to panic,” he said. The nearest settlements, about four kilometers from the crater, were hit by lava and glowing boulders, houses were damaged and set on fire.
The Lewotobi Laki-Laki is located in the south of the island of Flores and consists of two cones. It has been active for months and is now one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia.
Highest warning level and exclusion zone set
The alert level for the volcano was raised to the highest level and a seven kilometer exclusion zone around the crater was recommended. Indonesia is located on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a region with high seismic activity. There, several tectonic plates collide, making earthquakes and volcanic eruptions particularly common.
Source: Krone
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