Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency Reports 10 Deaths as Volcanic Eruptions Widen on Remote Island of Flores

Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency said Monday that at least 10 people have died as a series of volcanic eruptions widens on the remote island of Flores.

The eruption at Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki around midnight spewed thick brownish ash as high as 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) into the air and hot ashes hit several villages, burning down houses including a convent of Catholic nuns, said Firman Yosef, an official at the Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki monitoring post.

He said volcanic material was thrown up to 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from its crater, blanketing nearby villages and towns with tons of volcanic debris and forcing residents to flee.

Rescuers were still searching for more bodies buried under collapsed houses, said Abdul Muhari, the National Disaster Management Agency’s spokesperson. Muhari said all the bodies, including a child, were found with a 4-kilometer (2.4 mile) radius of the crater.

Volcano Monitoring Agency Increases Alert Status and Exclusion Zone

He said at least 10,000 people have been affected by the eruption in six villages of Wulanggitang District, and four villages in Ile Bura district. Some have fled to relatives’ houses while the local government is readying schools to use as temporary shelters.

The country’s volcano monitoring agency increased the volcano’s alert status to the highest level and more than doubled the exclusion zone to a 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) radius after midnight on Monday as eruptions became more frequent.

Nun Dies and Another Goes Missing in Hokeng Village

A nun in Hokeng village died and another was missing, said Agusta Palma, the head of the Saint Gabriel Foundation that oversees convents on the majority-Catholic island.

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“Our nuns ran out in panic under a rain of volcanic ash in the darkness,” Palma said.

Lewotobi Laki-laki: A Pair of Stratovolcanoes

Lewotobi Laki-laki is one of a pair of stratovolcanoes in the East Flores district of East Nusa Tenggara province known locally as the husband — “Laki-laki” means man — and wife mountains. Its mate is Lewotobi Perempuan, or woman.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki has caused widespread damage and displacement in the remote island of Flores, Indonesia. The National Disaster Management Agency reports at least 10 deaths and thousands affected by the eruption. The country’s volcano monitoring agency has increased the alert status and exclusion zone, and rescue efforts are ongoing to find more bodies.

FAQs

* What is the current situation on the ground in Flores?
The situation is dire, with widespread damage and displacement, and rescue efforts are ongoing.
* How many people have been affected by the eruption?
At least 10,000 people have been affected, with thousands more displaced.
* What is the current alert status of the volcano?
The volcano’s alert status has been increased to the highest level, and the exclusion zone has been expanded to 7 kilometers.
* Are there any reports of casualties?
Yes, at least 10 people have died, and several others are still missing.

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