Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A violent eruption from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores, Indonesia, resulted in the tragic deaths of 10 residents as structures collapsed under the force of eruptive debris and tremors on Sunday night, November 3, 2024.
The victims, all residents of Klatanlo village in Wulanggitang District, were living about five kilometers from the volcano, which has now been raised to Alert Level IV (Awas), indicating the highest level of danger.
Eyewitnesses describe the scene as catastrophic. “Our house was demolished by the rocks thrown from the volcano, combined with heavy rain and lightning that night,” said Bernad Tukan, a local resident speaking to Liputan6.com. He added, “We couldn’t save ourselves. We need help.”
Rescue teams, now on high alert, were able to locate six of the deceased who had been trapped under layers of ash and debris. The bodies are currently placed at a nearby neighbor’s home, while another family member is still being recovered from the wreckage.
Beyond this single family, two additional fatalities were reported, one of whom succumbed to injuries at the Boru Health Center. Several public facilities and hundreds of homes have also suffered severe damage, with ongoing efforts to confirm the identities of those injured or deceased.
The eruption led the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) to upgrade Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki’s status to Level IV at midnight on November 3. The decision followed a comprehensive review of volcanic activity recorded between October 23 and November 3, 2024.
PVMBG Director P. Hadi Wijaya reported an intense increase in volcanic activity over this period, marked by Monday’s eruption at 2:58 AM local time. While the eruption’s column height was not observed, seismic equipment registered an amplitude of 17 mm and a duration of over three minutes.
Authorities have strictly prohibited any activity within a seven-kilometer radius of the volcano’s summit, extending to sectors in the north-northeast. Residents and tourists alike have been urged to heed all official instructions and refrain from believing unverified reports.
Indonesia Faces Over 1,200 Disasters in 2024, Dominated by Floods and Forest Fires
In the face of potential volcanic ash hazards, local residents have been advised to wear masks or face coverings to prevent respiratory issues. Additionally, the high risk of lahar floods remains a concern should intense rain continue in the area.
The eruption is one in a long series, as Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has erupted 871 times throughout 2024, making it one of Indonesia’s most active and dangerous volcanoes.
(Becky)
