Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, a volcano in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province, erupted three times into Friday, spewing an ash column 8,000 meters (26,000 feet) high. Authorities have since expanded the danger zone from seven to eight kilometers around the crater.
The volcano, located on Flores Island, has shown heightened seismic and volcanic activity in recent days, with hundreds of earthquakes recorded. Explosions from the eruption were heard as far as 85 kilometers away in Maumere. Volcanic ash blanketed streets and plantations, while residents attempted to clear debris with basic tools. Some suffered burns from falling hot dust.
Despite the eruption, no new evacuations have been ordered, though officials warned of potential lava flows due to heavy rainfall. The disaster has also impacted air travel, causing flight cancellations and delays, including routes between Australia and Bali.
Indonesia, situated along the Pacific’s “Ring of Fire,” is home to 120 active volcanoes. Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki’s previous eruption in November resulted in nine deaths and multiple injuries.
Source: Swifteradio.com
