Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Erupts, Ash Column Reaches 6,500 Meters

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in eastern Indonesia erupted on November 7, spewing a massive ash column over 6,500 meters high, as authorities ramped up warnings and evacuation efforts. The 1,584-meter volcano, located on Flores Island, has shown increasing volcanic activity since November 3, with eruptions causing fatalities and severe damage. Indonesia, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is highly susceptible to volcanic eruptions, and Lewotobi’s latest eruption serves as a stark reminder of the region’s volatility.

Eruption and Ash Fallout

The eruption, which occurred at 10:48 AM, lasted 24 minutes, creating a towering brown ash column visible from miles away. It followed a series of smaller eruptions earlier, sending ash up to 4,000 meters high. Authorities urged residents to wear masks to protect themselves from the health risks posed by the ash.

Ongoing Hazards and Warnings

The eruption raised concerns over potential rain-induced lava floods, which could affect rivers originating from the peak. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning due to the volcano’s proximity to the coast, fearing the eruption could trigger a tsunami.

Evacuations and Past Eruptions

Following a deadly eruption on Sunday night, where nine people were killed and 64 others injured, authorities established a 7-kilometer exclusion zone around the volcano. This measure affects 16,000 residents, who are set for permanent relocation. Indonesia’s volcanoes have a history of deadly eruptions, with Merapi’s eruption in 2023 claiming 23 lives, emphasizing the region’s persistent volcanic threats.

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