Tengrinews.kz – At least six people have died and around 10,000 have been impacted following the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano in eastern Indonesia.
The eruption occurred overnight, catching many residents off guard as they slept. The volcano spewed columns of ash over two kilometers high, covering nearly six kilometers in the surrounding area. Authorities declared the highest alert level and established a seven-kilometer exclusion zone around the crater.
Firman Yosef, an official at the Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki monitoring post, reported that residents fled their homes in panic. Some buildings, including a monastery, have been destroyed by fire.
“Our nuns ran out of the house into the ashfall in the dark,” shared Agust Palma, head of the Saint Gabriel Foundation, adding that one nun was confirmed dead, with another missing.
Reports indicate that over 10,000 people from nearby villages, including Pululera, Nawokote, Hokeng Jaya, Klatanlo, Boru, and Boru Kedang, have been affected. Authorities believe more victims may be trapped under debris.
Located along the Pacific "Ring of Fire", Indonesia is home to 120 active volcanoes. Earlier in April, an eruption of Mount Ruang forced the evacuation of thousands and raised concerns about potential tsunamis.
