Mount Lewotobi Erupts in Indonesia, Killing Nine, Sending Ash 40,000 Feet High, Forcing Evacuations

Nov 4, 2024, 03:41 AM

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in eastern Indonesia erupted multiple times, sending ash up to 40,000 feet high and prompting a red aviation alert. The eruptions resulted in the deaths of at least nine people, with reports of fatalities ranging from six to ten. The volcanic activity forced the evacuation of several nearby villages and caused significant damage, including the destruction of houses and a Catholic convent. The Indonesian Disaster Management Agency and other officials have raised the alert level to the highest tier, warning of potential rain-induced lava floods. The first eruption lasted 24 minutes, followed by a second 3-minute blast. The Wulanggitang District in East Flores was significantly affected.