JAKARTA -- The death toll from the recent eruptions of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in eastern Indonesia has reached ten, according to the country's disaster mitigation agency. The volcano, located on the island of Flores, erupted multiple times overnight, releasing ash and lava that impacted nearby villages.
Authorities have evacuated several communities as flaming rocks and ash fell, causing widespread destruction. One resident, Hermanus Mite, described the terrifying moment the eruption began, stating, 'I was asleep when suddenly the bed shook... I saw flames coming out and immediately fled.'
As of now, over 10,295 individuals have been affected by the eruptions, with the number of evacuees still being assessed. Footage from the area shows thick ash covering villages, with some structures engulfed in flames.
The volcanic activity prompted the country's volcanology agency to raise the alert level to its highest, advising locals and tourists to avoid a 7-kilometer radius around the crater. They also warned of potential rain-induced lava floods and advised residents to wear masks to mitigate the effects of volcanic ash.
This is not the first significant eruption for Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which had major eruptions earlier in the year, leading to the evacuation of at least 2,000 residents. Indonesia, situated on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire,' frequently experiences volcanic eruptions due to its geological activity.