In brief
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia has erupted, leading to the issuance of the highest alert level and evacuation orders in surrounding areas.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, one of Indonesia's most volatile volcanoes, erupted with significant force on Tuesday, releasing a vast plume of ash reaching over 11 kilometers into the atmosphere. The eruption occurred at 17:35 local time, triggering the country’s top alert level as declared by the volcanology agency. The towering clouds were seen looming over Flores, a popular tourist destination. Authorities have established a strict 7km exclusion zone surrounding the 1,584-meter (approximately one mile) high volcano to ensure public safety following the eruption. Fortunately, no immediate reports of injuries or damage have emerged thus far. The volcano, which experienced several eruptions last November that resulted in fatalities and mass evacuations, had previously erupted in May, prompting the same heightened alert.To safeguard against potential health risks from volcanic ash, officials have urged residents in nearby areas to don face masks. Muhammad Wafid, head of the geology agency, warned that hazardous lahars, or mudflows, may occur if heavy rains ensue. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency has confirmed at least one village evacuation and reported ash rain in other settlements outside the exclusion zone. As tremors continue to be detected, officials have reinforced their calls for residents living close to the volcano to seek shelter in safer locations. The dual-peaked Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which translates to "man," shares its volcanic lineage with the taller and less active Perempuan, meaning "woman."
