Lewotobi Laki-laki, Indonesia – A powerful eruption from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in Indonesia has claimed the lives of at least 10 people and forced thousands to flee their homes. The volcano, located in the East Nusa Tenggara province, erupted violently late Friday night, sending pyroclastic flows surging down its slopes and blanketing surrounding villages in ash.
The eruption, which began around 11:57 PM local time on November 3rd, was characterized by a massive explosion that sent a towering column of ash and gas high into the atmosphere. “The explosion was incredibly loud and lasted for almost half an hour,” recounted a resident of a nearby village. “We saw the sky light up with fire, and then came the ash and the heat.”
Pyroclastic flows, fast-moving avalanches of hot gas and volcanic debris, raced down the volcano’s flanks in all directions, incinerating everything in their path. These deadly flows are the primary cause of the reported fatalities and are responsible for widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.
Indonesian authorities have raised the volcano’s alert level to its highest status and are coordinating a mass evacuation of the surrounding area. “We are working tirelessly to get people to safety,” said a spokesperson for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency. “The eruption is ongoing, and the situation remains very dangerous.”
Rescue efforts are being hampered by the continuing volcanic activity and the thick ash that has blanketed the region. Visibility is extremely limited, and the air is thick with noxious fumes. “It’s like a scene from a nightmare,” said a rescue worker. “The ash is everywhere, and the smell of sulfur is overpowering.”
This eruption marks the deadliest volcanic event in Indonesia since the 2018 eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, which triggered a devastating tsunami that claimed the lives of over 400 people. Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki has a history of explosive eruptions, and scientists are closely monitoring the situation to assess the potential for further volcanic activity.
The Indonesian government is providing emergency shelter and aid to those displaced by the eruption, and international aid organizations are mobilizing to provide support. The coming days and weeks will be critical for the affected communities as they grapple with the aftermath of this devastating natural disaster.