One of most volatile volcanoes ejected an enormous ash cloud over 11 kilometres into the air in Indonesia on Tuesday following a declaration of the country’s highest warning.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which erupted at 17:35 local time (10:35 BST), was reported to have sent the enormous cloud soaring over the popular tourist island of Flores by the country’s volcanology agency.
The eruption is the latest in a series of volcanic activities from the mountain, underscoring the heightened risk in the region. With the volcano now under the highest alert status, authorities are on edge for further activity.
Exclusion Zone Declared Around the Crater in Indonesia
There was a 7km radius exclusion zone around the 1,584m (one mile) high twin-peaked volcano’s crater. There had not been any damage or casualty reports at once.
The volcano erupted repeatedly during November, killing nine individuals and displacing thousands. The ash cloud also prompted flight cancellations.
Given the recent violent history of the volcano, emergency protocols have been reactivated. Officials are closely monitoring seismic activity in the area.
Warnings Issued Over Lahar Floods and Air Quality
Geology agency chief Muhammad Wafid stated nobody should conduct any activities within 7km of the eruption, and warned of lahar floods – mud or debris flow of volcanic material – if heavy rain falls.
Residents were also advised to use face masks to shield themselves from volcanic ash.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency, however, reported that at least one village was evacuated and ash rain in several others beyond the area of exclusion.
Evacuations Underway as Tremors Persist in Indonesia
The spokesman urged people living around the volcano “to evacuate to safe locations” since tremors continued to be felt, which was an indication of continued volcanic activity.
Lewotobi Laki-Laki’s most recent eruption was in May, when authorities similarly elevated the alert level to its highest.
Laki-Laki, which is Indonesian for “man,” is paired with the quieter but higher 1,703m called Perempuan, Indonesian for “woman.”