Volcano in Indonesia erupts 8 times in a day, at least 9 killed & 5.8K residents evacuated

At least 9 killed while over 5,800 residents evacuated after volcano eruptions in Indonesia

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia erupted eight times on Thursday (7 Nov), sending ash clouds as high as 8,000 metres (m) into the sky.

This came after an earlier eruption at about 11.57pm on Sunday (3 Nov).

Smaller eruptions occurred over the next two days, which killed at least nine people and injured 64 people, according to Associated Press News (AP).

Following the eruptions, over 5,800 of the 16,000 residents living near the volcano have been evacuated to other villages.

Over 2,000 homes damaged with more than 10,000 people affected

Monday’s eruption reportedly affected over 10,000 people in 10 villages, damaging more than 2,000 homes.

Volcanic debris was thrown up from the crater and hit nearby villages and towns, forcing residents to escape.

One of the villages was even covered by thick volcanic ash, as reported by The Straits Times (ST).

While inspecting the devastated areas, officials discovered craters caused by falling volcanic rocks in many places, including a destroyed school. The craters were reportedly up to 13m wide and 5m deep.

The country’s volcano monitoring agency has raised the alert status to the highest level and declared a seven-kilometre exclusion zone.

Larger eruption took place again on 7 Nov

After a period of decreased activity following Monday’s eruption, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted again at 12.40am on Thursday (7th Nov).

Two hours later, a second eruption took place, spewing a red column of lava.

Five more eruptions ensued from 6am to 11am, with the last one releasing a column of ash up to 8,000m.

The Indonesian government were searching for locations to settle down evacuees.

“We expect construction of the new houses will be completed within six months,” said Mr Suharyanto, who heads Indonesia’s disaster agency.

The number of people to be evacuated has yet to be confirmed, as it is being counted by the agency.

However, Mr Heronimus Lamawuran, a spokesperson for the Flores regional government, said about 5,816 of more than 16,000 residents living in areas closest to the volcano had been moved to other villages.

Also read: Mount Marapi In Indonesia Erupts & Spews Hot Ash, 11 Hikers Killed & 12 Missing

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Featured image adapted from Associated Press News and Associated Press News.