5-11-2024 (JAKARTA) Indonesian authorities have launched an urgent operation to evacuate more than 16,000 residents following the deadly eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki on Flores Island, which has already claimed nine lives and left dozens injured.
The volcano, situated in East Nusa Tenggara province, experienced a significant eruption on Sunday evening, followed by a secondary eruption on Monday night. Officials have maintained the highest volcanic alert status as the mountain continues to show signs of unrest.
Speaking to Reuters on Tuesday, East Flores government spokesperson Heronimus Lamawuran confirmed that 2,472 residents from eight affected villages had been successfully relocated to emergency shelters. “Our priority is to temporarily relocate all 16,086 residents until we can guarantee their safety,” Lamawuran stated.
The evacuation effort faces significant challenges, with thick volcanic ash hampering access to some areas. In response, authorities have mobilised additional military and police personnel, alongside a fleet of trucks, to expedite the operation. Evacuees are being housed in three school buildings and temporary shelters approximately 20 kilometres from the volcanic crater.
The disaster has wreaked havoc on local infrastructure, with assessment reports indicating damage to 2,384 houses and at least 25 schools. Officials have revised the casualty figures to nine fatalities and 63 injured, down from initial reports of ten deaths.
Local authorities have declared a 58-day state of emergency, enabling central government intervention and support. The eruption has also forced the closure of four regional airports across Flores Island.
Indonesia, which sits along the volatile Pacific Ring of Fire, regularly contends with seismic and volcanic activity due to its position at the intersection of multiple tectonic plates. This latest eruption underscores the ongoing challenges faced by communities living in proximity to the nation’s active volcanoes.
The emergency response continues as authorities race against time to ensure the safety of remaining villagers in the volcano’s vicinity.
