Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Eruption: Authorities Scramble to Evacuate Thousands
Volcanic Eruption Worsens, Ash Column Reaches 9 km High
Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted at least three times early on Saturday, spewing an ash column 9 km (5.6 miles) high, as authorities planned to widen the restricted area, officials said.
Death Toll Rises to 9, Evacuation Efforts Continue
A big eruption on Sunday by the volcano in East Nusa Tenggara province killed nine. Since then, authorities have been scrambling to evacuate 16,000 people from villages nearest the crater as eruptions continue.
Eruption Still Active, Hot Lava and Hot Clouds Ejected
"The eruption accompanied by the ejection of hot lava and hot clouds to the west and northwest of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki is still occurring," said Muhammad Wafid, head of the volcanology agency.
Restricted Area to be Widened
The agency plans to expand to 9 km from 8 km (5 miles) the zone southwest to northwest of the crater that people are not allowed to enter, he said.
Evacuation Efforts Underway
Evacuation efforts continued, with some 10,700 people having been removed by Friday evening, data from Indonesia’s disaster agency showed on Saturday.
Friday’s Eruption
On Friday, Mount Lewotobi erupted several times, with an ash column up to 10 km (6.2 miles) high.
FAQs
- What is the current status of the eruption?
The eruption is still ongoing, with hot lava and hot clouds being ejected to the west and northwest of the volcano. - How many people have been evacuated so far?
As of Friday evening, around 10,700 people have been removed from the affected areas. - What is the plan for the restricted area?
The agency plans to expand the restricted area to 9 km from 8 km (5 miles) southwest to northwest of the crater, prohibiting people from entering the area. - How many people are affected by the eruption?
Around 16,000 people from villages nearest the crater are being evacuated.
Conclusion
The ongoing eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki has left thousands of people displaced, with many more at risk. As authorities continue to evacuate those in the affected areas, it is crucial that the public remains informed about the situation and follows the instructions of local authorities.