JAKARTA: In response to heightened volcanic activities, more than 2,000 residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters near Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia. The volcano has experienced several eruptions in recent weeks, with the most recent on Monday propelling volcanic ash 1.5 kilometers (4,800 feet) above its peak, as reported by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG).
Tuesday witnessed another eruption from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, although ash clouds were not observed, according to a statement from PVMBG. The volcanic ash from the recent eruptions has affected two sub-districts near the mountain, prompting over 2,200 residents to seek refuge in temporary shelters established by local governments.
Volcano Eruptions in Indonesia
Benediktus Bolibapa Herin, an official for East Flores district, stated, “There are 1,931 evacuees in the Wulanggitang (sub-district), and 328 evacuees in the Ile Bura (sub-district).” He added that the number of evacuees might increase as more people prioritize their safety in light of the volcanic activity.
Due to the heightened status of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, authorities have raised the volcano’s alert level to the second-highest on Indonesia’s four-tiered scale. Additionally, the exclusion zone has been expanded from two kilometers to four kilometers (13,100 feet) around the volcano’s crater. This move is intended to safeguard communities from potential hazards associated with the volcanic eruptions.
The volcanic ashes have also led to the closure of Frans Seda Airport, situated more than 80 kilometers away, since Monday, according to state news agency Antara.
Indonesia, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, is prone to intense volcanic and seismic activities. The archipelago is home to nearly 130 active volcanoes. In the preceding month, Mount Merapi in Sumatra island erupted, resulting in 23 casualties.
