According to latest Laki-Laki Volcano eruption news, the Laki-Laki volcano erupted on November 3, 2024, around 11:57 p.m. local time. The eruption released thick brown ash plumes that reached approximately 2,000 meters into the atmosphere, while fiery lava and rocks impacted villages up to 2 miles from the crater.
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The eruption began around midnight on November 4, 2024, catching many residents off-guard as they were sleeping. The Laki-Laki volcano eruption news reports that the volcano spewed thick, brownish ash up to 2,000 meters high.
Volcanic material covered the surrounding areas, with debris dispersing as far as 6 kilometers from the crater.
The death toll was reported as at least 10 people, but the number may change as search and rescue operations continue.
Among the deceased was a nun from a Catholic convent in Hokeng village, while another nun remains missing. The Laki-Laki volcano eruption news indicates that several houses including a convent, were destroyed by the lava, flames and volcanic ash.
According to latest Laki-Laki Volcano eruption news, Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency and other local authorities initiated rescue operations. They continue to search for victims under collapsed structures.
The volcanology agency raised the Laki-Laki volcano eruption news alert to its highest level, warning of eruptions and hazards.
The exclusion zone has been extended to a 7-kilometer radius, more than doubling the previous limit.
Over 10,000 residents across six villages in Wulanggitang District and four villages in Ile Bura District have been impacted by the eruption.
Many residents sought refuge with relatives, while local authorities are preparing schools as temporary shelters for evacuees.
Residents reported experiencing shaking as lava flows, ash and rocks pelted their homes, forcing many to flee in the dark.
Several houses caught fire due to lava and heat including a convent belonging to a Catholic order of nuns. Power outages were reported across affected villages.
Torrential rains and lightning storms complicated the situation and increased panic among residents. Photos and videos from the scene depict homes buried under volcanic debris, with thick layers of ash blanketing rooftops and streets.
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According to latest Laki-Laki Volcano eruption news, Authorities have established a 7-kilometer evacuation zone around the volcano to protect residents from further eruptions.
With at least 10,000 people impacted across six villages in Wulanggitang district and four in Ile Bura district, local schools have been repurposed as temporary shelters.
Villagers are being relocated to sites approximately 20 kilometers from the crater to safeguard them from the volcanic activity.
The Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation raised the alert for Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki to Level IV, the highest warning level following the eruption.
According to latest Laki-Laki Volcano eruption news, PVMBG has recommended clearing a radius of over 4 miles around the volcano, cautioning that additional eruptions could release lava and ash clouds.
Indonesian authorities are accustomed to volcanic activity and have protocols for evacuation and shelter in place. The government’s response involved mobilizing local officials and emergency services to coordinate evacuations, shelter arrangements and medical assistance for those affected.
Earlier this year, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki had several eruptions in January leading to the evacuation of about 6,500 people. No casualties were reported during that eruption.
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