An unexpected volcanic eruption from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on the island of Flores, Indonesia, has left the local community in shock and mourning.

The powerful overnight eruption killed at least 10 people and sent fireballs, ash, and volcanic rocks crashing down on nearby villages, leading officials to raise the volcano’s alert level to its highest status.

The eruption, which began just before midnight, forced swift evacuations and brought devastating impacts to the lives and homes of the villagers.

Panic as Villages Face Destruction

Residents recount terrifying moments as the eruption unfolded.

Hermanus Mite, a 32-year-old hairdresser, shared the horror he felt as his home and salon shook.

“I was asleep when the bed suddenly shook twice,” he recalled.

“Then I realized the volcano had erupted. Flames were everywhere, ashes and stones falling. My salon caught fire, and everything inside was gone.”

Thousands of people from at least five nearby villages were evacuated as ash blanketed buildings and flames engulfed wooden structures, forcing families to seek shelter in safer areas.

Disaster Agency Reports Devastation and Rising Evacuee Numbers

Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency, confirmed the death toll and indicated that over 10,000 people were affected.

He also noted that the final number of evacuees was still being tallied.

Volcanologists reported multiple eruptions, with activity intensifying around midnight and peaking with explosive eruptions at 1:27 am and 2:48 am.

Authorities quickly enforced a seven-kilometer no-go zone around the crater, urging locals and tourists to keep their distance from the hazardous area.

Struggles with Adverse Weather and Volcanic Hazards

Heavy thunderstorms and lightning initially masked warning signs of the eruption, according to local village head Petrus Muda Turan.

“We didn’t hear the warning signs at first because of the thunder,” he explained, noting the loss of a baby and a young nun among the deceased.

Petrus described how villagers fled in the middle of the night, bringing nothing but themselves to safety as they navigated through ash-laden pathways.

Risk of Rain-Induced Lava Flows Adds to Concerns

Officials warned that recent rainfall could trigger dangerous lava floods, a secondary hazard that could further complicate rescue efforts.

Residents were advised to wear masks to shield themselves from volcanic ash, and Maumere Airport, the region’s second-largest, temporarily suspended operations.

A dedicated desk was set up to assist locals in reporting missing family members.

Mount Lewotobi’s Ongoing Volcanic Activity

This eruption marks a severe escalation in Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki’s activity, which had already shown signs of increased volatility over the past week, with columns of ash reaching up to 2,000 meters.

Laki-Laki, the more active of the twin peaks, erupted several times in January, displacing around 2,000 residents.

The volcano is part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where seismic activity frequently leads to eruptions, landslides, and earthquakes.

Indonesia’s Volcanic History: An Ever-Present Threat

Indonesia’s geography places it at the center of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making volcanic eruptions a frequent danger for its population.

Recent disasters have left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.

Just last year, Mount Marapi’s eruption killed 24 climbers, and heavy rains in May led to deadly landslides when volcanic material flowed into residential areas.

Similar eruptions have occurred across the archipelago, underscoring the continuous risk posed by Indonesia’s dynamic geological landscape.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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