Mount Lewotobi Eruption Kills 10 in Indonesia; Ash Plumes Reach 40,000 Feet

Nov 4, 2024, 06:12 AM

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, an active volcano on the island of Flores in eastern Indonesia, erupted on Sunday night, causing significant devastation. The first eruption lasted 24 minutes, followed by a second 3-minute blast, spewing fiery lava, ash, and red-hot rocks up to 2,000 meters high. Ash plumes reached up to 40,000 feet, prompting a red aviation alert and disrupting air travel. The eruption blanketed nearby villages with thick ash and ignited fires that destroyed houses, including a Catholic convent. Indonesian authorities reported that at least ten people have died in the Wulanggitang District due to the eruption, with officials warning that the death toll may rise. The country's Disaster Management Agency has raised the alert level to the highest of a four-tiered system and ordered evacuations from several villages. Over 10,000 people have fled the area as authorities warn of potential rain-induced lava floods.