Indonesia on high alert after volcanic eruption
A massive volcanic eruption has erupted on the Indonesian tourist island of Flores, sending ash from Mount Lewtobi Laki-Laki over an area of more than 11km. Authorities have raised the alert to the highest level. BBC News.
The country’s volcanology agency said on Tuesday (June 17) afternoon that the eruption began at 4:35pm local time from the 1,584m (one mile) high twin-vent volcano, which created a huge cloud in the sky over the tourist island of Flores.
However, there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
Mount Lewtobi Laki-Laki is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. The volcano erupted several times last November, killing nine people and forcing thousands to flee. Flights were also canceled due to the ash.
The head of Indonesia’s geological agency, Muhammad Wafid, said it was not safe for anyone to be within 7 kilometers of the eruption. He also warned of lava flows.
He also urged residents to wear masks to protect themselves from the volcanic ash.
Indonesia’s national disaster mitigation agency said one village had already been evacuated and ash rain had been reported in several other villages outside the volcano’s area.
