A series of volcanic eruptions on the popular tourist island of Flores has claimed the lives of at least 10 people, with several homes destroyed by fire and ash, Al Jazeera reports.
The eruptions, which began just after midnight on Monday, have forced the evacuation of thousands from villages surrounding the 1,703-meter Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki.
The country’s volcanology agency has raised the volcano’s alert status to the highest level and expanded the exclusion zone to a 7km radius. The eruptions have become increasingly frequent, with footage received by AFP showing homes near the volcano covered in thick ash, some engulfed in flames.
An AFP journalist at the scene reported that five villages were evacuated, leaving thousands seeking shelter elsewhere. The ground is reportedly pockmarked with holes from flying molten rocks, and some wooden homes have been consumed by fire.
The volcanology agency has warned of potential rain-induced lava floods and urged locals to wear masks to protect against volcanic ash. This latest eruption follows several major eruptions in January, which prompted the evacuation of over 2,000 residents.
Indonesia, situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is known for its volcanic and seismic activity. In December 2022, an eruption at Mount Marapi in West Sumatra resulted in the deaths of 24 climbers, primarily university students. In May, over 60 people perished after heavy rains carried volcanic material from Mount Marapi into residential areas, sweeping away homes.
