At least 10 dead as Indonesia’s Laki-Laki volcano erupts, burns homes
Al Jazeera
The 1,703-metre (5,587-foot) twin volcano eruption on Flores Island forces authorities to evacuate several villages.
At least 10 people have died after a series of volcanic eruptions took place in eastern Indonesia, spewing fireballs and ash on surrounding villages and burning down several houses.
The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a 1,703-metre (5,587-foot) twin volcano located on the popular tourist island of Flores, took place just after midnight on Monday, forcing authorities to evacuate several villages.
Abdul Muhari, spokesman of the country’s disaster mitigation agency BNPB, confirmed the death toll at a news conference, adding that 10,295 people had been affected by the eruptions. He said the number of evacuees was still being calculated.
The country’s volcanology agency increased the volcano’s alert status to the highest level and more than doubled the exclusion zone to a 7km (4.3-mile) radius as eruptions became more frequent.
The agency said at least 10,000 people were affected by the eruption in Wulanggitang district in the six nearby villages of Pululera, Nawokote, Hokeng Jaya, Klatanlo, Boru and Boru Kedang.
