- Indonesia volcano eruption kills at least 10
- The eruption sent lava and rocks toward nearby villages
- Fires were reported in residential areas due to falling molten rock
- The local government has declared a 58-day state of emergency
Indonesia volcano eruption kills at least 10
At least 10 people were killed when Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted on Flores Island in Indonesia early Monday, officials reported. The eruption began just before midnight, sending lava and rocks toward nearby villages, and causing significant damage to homes.
The Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMG) has raised the alert status of the volcano to the highest level and warned people to stay at least 7 km (4 miles) from the crater. Fires were reported in residential areas due to falling molten rock, and officials are worried about potential flash floods and cold lava flows. The local government has declared a 58-day state of emergency to help provide aid to the 10,000 residents impacted.
The volcano, which has been intermittently active since December, has already strained the local economy. Many villagers have taken refuge in schools, while farmers have reported damaged crops due to heavy ashfall. Indonesia, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is home to around 130 active volcanoes, with many communities living nearby to benefit from the fertile soil despite the risks.