Indonesia is facing a fresh natural crisis after the dramatic eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores sent a towering column of ash miles into the atmosphere.
Local authorities swiftly raised the alert level to its highest tier, prompting the evacuation of villages and the closure of air routes as the region braces for possible aftershocks and further volcanic activity.
The eruption occurred early Tuesday morning, startling residents with a deafening explosion and a cascade of glowing lava seen from miles away.
The sky over nearby communities darkened as ash blanketed rooftops, farmland, and roads. Indonesian disaster response teams have been deployed to assist with evacuations and distribute emergency supplies, including masks, food, and potable water.
Officials from Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation reported that seismic activity at Lewotobi Laki-Laki has been intensifying over the past several weeks, signaling potential long-term instability.
Local residents, many of whom live in small, agriculture-based communities, are being relocated to temporary shelters away from the danger zone.
Flight authorities issued a red alert for aviation, warning all pilots to steer clear of airspace near the eruption.
The ash cloud is currently drifting westward, with potential implications for regional air travel, particularly to and from Bali and Java.
Indonesia, situated on the volatile Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is no stranger to volcanic upheaval. It hosts over 120 active volcanoes, making it one of the world’s most seismically active nations.
The country’s last major eruption, in 2023 at Mount Semeru, resulted in dozens of casualties and widespread displacement.
Emergency crews are now racing to reinforce infrastructure, assess environmental impact, and ensure the continued safety of evacuees.
Authorities are urging the public to remain calm but vigilant as monitoring continues around the clock.
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