EAST FLORES: Volcanic Eruptions Continue to Pose Threat to Locals

Recent Eruptions

A volcano in eastern Indonesia, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, has erupted more than a dozen times this week, killing nine people after its initial burst on Monday. The 1,703-metre (5,587-foot) twin-peaked volcano on the tourist island of Flores has been belching ash and smoke into the air, causing concern among local residents and officials.

Colossal Eruption

According to Prihatin Hadi Wijaya, head of the volcanology agency, there were two eruptions on Friday. The first eruption occurred at 1:55 pm (0555 GMT), with the ash reaching a height of 4,000 metres. However, just a minute later, the volcanic ash reached eight to 10 kilometres in height. Officials at the monitoring post had to evacuate due to the colossal eruption, as ash and small rocks rained down on the area.

Exclusion Zone Expanded

The volcanology agency extended the exclusion zone by one kilometre to a total of eight kilometres (five miles) around the crater on Thursday. This move was taken to ensure the safety of local residents and prevent any potential damage to nearby villages.

No Reports of Damage

There were no immediate reports of damage to nearby villages from Friday’s fresh eruption. However, the mountain on Thursday catapulted an ash tower, also five miles (eight kilometres) high, which locals said was one of the biggest they had ever seen.

Volcano’s Alert Level Raised

Officials raised the volcano’s alert level to the highest of a four-tiered system after the initial eruptions on Monday. This move was taken to ensure the safety of local residents and prevent any potential damage to nearby villages.

About Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which means “man” in Indonesian, is twinned with a calmer volcano named after the Indonesian word for “woman”. The mountain is a popular tourist destination due to its unique twin peaks and stunning natural beauty.

About Indonesia’s Volcanic Activity

Indonesia, a vast archipelago nation, experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”. The country is home to over 130 active volcanoes, with many of them located along the Ring of Fire.

Conclusion

The recent eruptions of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki have caused concern among local residents and officials. While there have been no reports of damage to nearby villages, the continued activity of the volcano poses a threat to the safety of local residents. The volcanology agency has taken steps to ensure the safety of local residents and prevent any potential damage to nearby villages.

FAQs

Q: How many times has Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted this week?
A: The volcano has erupted more than a dozen times this week.

Q: How many people have been killed in the eruptions?
A: Nine people have been killed in the eruptions.

Q: Why was the exclusion zone expanded?
A: The exclusion zone was expanded to ensure the safety of local residents and prevent any potential damage to nearby villages.

Q: What is the current alert level of the volcano?
A: The current alert level of the volcano is at its highest, a four-tiered system.

Q: Why does Indonesia experience frequent seismic and volcanic activity?
A: Indonesia experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”.