Six confirmed dead as Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupts in Indonesia

At least six people have been confirmed dead following a series of eruptions from Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki on the Indonesian island of Flores. The volcano began erupting shortly after midnight on Monday, November 4, 2024, generating a significant plume of ash that rose approximately 2,000 meters into the atmosphere. The thick ashfall affected several nearby villages in the East Nusa Tenggara province, including Pululera, Nawokote, Hokeng Jaya, Klatanlo, Boru, and Boru Kedang, leading to substantial property damage. The eruptions caused extensive destruction, including the burning down of multiple homes and a convent for Catholic nuns.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) initially reported nine fatalities but later revised the toll to six, citing updated information from local authorities. Search and rescue operations are currently underway, focusing on areas where individuals may be trapped under collapsed structures. Reports from local media indicate that at least one individual is still missing, and additional casualties may be discovered as recovery efforts continue. Local officials are coordinating with disaster response teams to assess the full extent of the damage, including infrastructure and essential services.

In response to the ongoing volcanic activity, authorities have raised the alert level for Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki to the highest status, indicating a significant risk of further eruptions. The exclusion zone has been expanded to a 7-kilometer radius around the volcano, affecting nearby communities and prompting evacuations. Approximately 10,000 individuals in Wulanggitang District and surrounding areas have been impacted by the eruptions. Many residents have fled to safer locations, and temporary shelters are being established to accommodate those displaced by the volcanic activity. The eruption has also led to power outages in some areas, further complicating the emergency response.

The volcanic material has been ejected up to 6 kilometers from the crater, blanketing communities with thick ash and debris. The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation has reported that volcanic activity at Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki has been increasing since late October, with a total of 43 eruptions recorded in that time. The agency has advised residents to remain vigilant and prepared for further eruptions, as well as potential aftershocks, given the geological instability of the region. This incident follows another recent eruption in Indonesia, where Mount Marapi in West Sumatra erupted on October 27, 2024, causing ashfall in surrounding villages but resulting in no reported fatalities.