Volcanic Eruption in Indonesia Claims 10 Lives and Ignites Fires in Local Homes

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A powerful eruption struck eastern Indonesia overnight, killing at least 10 people and sending dangerous fireballs and ash across nearby villages, local authorities confirmed on Monday, November 4, 2024. In response, the volcano’s alert status has been elevated to the highest level.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a towering 1,703-meter (5,587-foot) twin volcano on the tourist island of Flores, erupted just before midnight, forcing the evacuation of numerous villages in the surrounding areas. Residents described the harrowing moments as the volcano launched flaming rocks and debris toward their homes.

“I was asleep when the bed suddenly shook violently,” said Hermanus Mite, a 32-year-old hairdresser. “I realized it was the volcano and ran outside. Flames were erupting everywhere, and I fled for my life. Ash and stones rained down, and my salon caught fire, completely destroying everything.”

Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency (BNPB), confirmed the rising death toll and reported that 10,295 people had been impacted by the eruption. Authorities are still calculating the number of evacuees, as more areas continue to be affected by the volcanic activity.

Footage from AFP depicted homes near the volcano engulfed in thick ash, with some areas ablaze. An AFP journalist in the region reported the evacuation of five villages, with thousands of people seeking refuge in safer areas. Many wooden homes were obliterated by the flames, while the ground was marred by craters left behind by falling molten rocks.

The eruption began just before midnight, followed by additional blasts at 1:27 a.m. and 2:48 a.m., according to the country’s volcanology agency. In response to the escalating activity, the agency raised the volcano’s alert level to the highest status and warned residents and tourists to stay at least seven kilometers (4.3 miles) away from the crater. “There has been a significant increase in volcanic activity on Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki,” the agency stated in a press release.

Images showed collapsed roofs under the weight of volcanic debris, with many residents seeking shelter in communal buildings. The agency also issued warnings about the potential for rain-induced lava flows and urged people to wear protective masks to guard against the hazardous ash.

This eruption adds to the growing list of violent volcanic events on the island, underscoring the significant risks faced by communities living in volcanic zones. While the region is renowned for its natural beauty, the ongoing threat of eruptions remains a serious concern for both locals and tourists. Efforts are now focused on monitoring the volcano’s activity and continuing to assess the situation in affected villages.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki had already erupted several times the previous week, with the most significant eruption occurring on October 31, 2024, which sent an ash plume rising 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) into the sky.

Earlier this year, the volcano experienced several major eruptions in January, forcing the evacuation of at least 2,000 residents. Indonesia, located along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is known for its seismic and volcanic activity, making frequent eruptions a part of daily life for many in the region. The ongoing eruptions and the ever-present danger of natural disasters emphasize the critical need for emergency preparedness in these high-risk areas.

Last year, in December, Mount Marapi in West Sumatra erupted, claiming the lives of at least 24 climbers, mostly university students. In May, more than 60 people died after heavy rains washed volcanic debris from Marapi into residential areas, causing massive destruction. Additionally, Mount Ruang in North Sulawesi erupted several times in May, forcing thousands of nearby residents to evacuate. These catastrophic events serve as a reminder of the region’s volatile nature, where eruptions and other natural disasters regularly cause loss of life and displace entire communities.

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