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.

Summery of the News

Topic	Key Points
Why in News	Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki eruption (Nov 7, 2024) – 6,500-meter ash column; fatalities (9 killed, 64 injured); tsunami warning; exclusion zone; increased activity.
Location	Flores Island, Indonesia
Volcano Name	Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki
Volcano Height	1,584 meters
Ash Column Height	6,500 meters
Date of Eruption	November 7, 2024
Fatalities	9 people killed
Injuries	64 people injured
Exclusion Zone Radius	7 kilometers
Population Affected	16,000 people
Government Action	Evacuation; permanent relocation plans for affected towns
Tsunami Warning	Issued by Japan Meteorological Agency due to volcanic activity near the coast
Previous Eruption	November 3, 2024 eruption – incandescent rocks, fires, building damage
Volcanic Activity	Increased since November 3, 2024
Indonesia’s Volcanoes	Over 400 volcanoes, 129 active, 65 classified as dangerous
Seismic Region	Indonesia is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire
Local Authorities	Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation