Villages evacuated

Indonesia: At least 9 dead in volcanic eruption

The Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano ejected ash, lava and rocks into the air on Sunday.

(Bild: Associated Press)

According to official figures, at least nine people have died in an eruption of the Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano in eastern Indonesia. Several surrounding villages have been evacuated and rescue and evacuation work is continuing.

The volcano on the island of Flores in the province of East Nusa Tenggara erupted on Sunday evening, spewing lava, ash and rocks into the air, said a spokesman for the Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center (PVMBG) on Monday.

Lava, ash, lightning, glowing chunks of rock
"After the eruption, there were power cuts, then it rained and there was heavy lightning, which panicked the residents," he said. The nearest settlements, about four kilometers from the crater, were hit by lava and glowing rocks, and houses were damaged and set on fire.

Several villages have been evacuated and rescue (pictured) and evacuation work is ongoing.

(Bild: AFP/Arnold Welianto)

Lewotobi Laki-Laki is located in the south of the island of Flores and consists of two cones. It has been active for months and is now one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia.

Highest warning level and exclusion zone established
The warning level for the volcano has been raised to the highest level and an exclusion zone of seven kilometers around the crater has been recommended. Indonesia is located on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a region with high seismic activity. Several tectonic plates collide there, meaning that earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur particularly frequently.