Highest alert level in Indonesia: Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano has erupted

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Following a new eruption of the Indonesian volcano Lewotobi Laki-Laki, the highest alert level four has been declared for the surrounding areas. Local authorities ordered evacuations on Wednesday. Residents of surrounding areas must move to safety “immediately” to avoid being hit by hot volcanic ash, Benedict Bolibapa Herin told AFP news agency. Two emergency shelters have been set up for them with a total of around 5,000 places.

The eruption on the eastern island of Flores followed weeks of increased volcanic activity. The second highest alert level had therefore been in force since last week. In addition, an exclusion zone was established within a radius of five kilometers around the crater. On Tuesday evening, the Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Management (PVMBG) finally declared the highest alert level.

More than 100 volcanoes in Indonesia

PVMBG leader Hendra Gunawan urged residents of the volcano to wear masks to protect their respiratory tract from the volcanic ash. He also pointed out the risk of flooding, as volcanic ash falling into rivers could cause rivers to overflow their banks.

Indonesia is located on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a region with strong volcanic activity and frequent earthquakes. There are nearly 130 volcanoes in the Southeast Asian island nation.

On Tuesday, Indonesian authorities raised the alert level for activity at the Marapi volcano on Sumatra island and established an exclusion zone within 4.5 kilometers of the crater. The Marapi eruption in December killed 23 hikers. (AFP)

Source: Blick