A series of volcanic eruptions from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on the island of Flores, Indonesia, has resulted in the deaths of at least six people and the destruction of a Catholic convent. The overnight eruption spewed thick ash columns up to 2 kilometers (6,500 feet) into the air, raining hot ash on six nearby villages, burning down homes and displacing thousands.
Authorities have reported that the eruptions damaged numerous homes and engulfed the convent of the Saint Gabriel Foundation, where one nun was confirmed dead, and another is reported missing. “Our nuns ran out in panic under a rain of volcanic ash in the darkness,” said Agusta Palma, head of the Saint Gabriel Foundation.
Local officials raised the alert level of the volcano to the highest status and expanded the exclusion zone to a 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) radius as volcanic material spread up to 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the crater. The affected villages include Pululera, Nawokote, Hokeng Jaya, Klatanlo, Boru, and Boru Kedang, impacting around 10,000 residents.
Images circulating on social media show damaged buildings blanketed with ash as emergency responders transported victims. The Disaster Management Agency is assessing the extent of the casualties and damage, while local reports indicate that more residents may be trapped under collapsed structures.
Indonesia, situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” experiences regular volcanic and seismic activity due to its 120 active volcanoes. Recent notable eruptions include Mount Marapi in West Sumatra and Mount Ruang in April, prompting large-scale evacuations earlier in the year.
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