58-day state of emergency declared after eruption at Lewotabi claims 9 lives, damages 2 384 homes, Indonesia
A powerful eruption at Lewotobi volcano on Indonesia’s Flores Island has resulted in at least 9 deaths and forced widespread evacuations, officials confirmed on November 5, 2024. The eruption took place on November 3, plunging nearby villages into darkness as lava, ash, and volcanic debris damaged homes and led to power outages. Authorities have declared a state of emergency, extending assistance to over 10 000 affected residents.
Eruption at mount Lewotabi Laki Laki in Indonesia on November 5, 2024. Image credit: PVMBG
A powerful eruption took place at Indonesia’s Lewotobi volcano on November 3, resulting in at least 9 fatalities, officials confirmed on November 5.
The eruption lasted for 1 450 seconds and had an amplitude of 47.3 m (1.86 inches). Lava, rocks, and ash reached as high as 2 km (1.2 miles) and spread up to 4 km (2 miles), burning homes and destroying a Catholic convent in Hokeng village.
Agusta Palma, head of the Saint Gabriel Foundation, reported one nun was killed and another is missing. Palma described the nuns fleeing for safety as volcanic ash fell in darkness.
Heronimus Lamawuran, the spokesperson of East Flores regional government, reported seven villages were directly impacted.
The death toll was revised from the previously reported 10 to 9. A total of 63 people were injured, and approximately 2 384 homes, along with at least 25 schools, were damaged.
Authorities raised the alert to the highest level and set a 7 km (4 miles) exclusion zone.
Several eruptions were recorded within a few hours following the initial eruption each lasting between 100 to 300 seconds with varying amplitudes.
Lamawuran confirmed evacuations began on November 4, moving residents to areas 20 km (13 miles) from the crater. Images showed a red-lit sky, burning houses, residents wearing masks, and ash-covered roads.
Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency warned of potential flash floods and cold lava flows in the days ahead.
Agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari said rescuers continued searching for bodies under collapsed buildings within a 4 km (2.4 miles) radius.
By November 4 afternoon, officials confirmed at least 10 000 people were affected across six villages in Wulanggitang District and four in Ile Bura District. Many sought refuge with relatives, while authorities prepared schools as shelters. About 16 000 people will have to be relocated.
The government declared a 58-day state of emergency, enabling extended aid. Muhari noted the eruption temporarily closed Maumere Airport, affecting transport.
Mount Lewotobi’s eruption is part of a recent series of volcanic events in Indonesia, located along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire.
Earlier this year, Mount Ibu erupted on Halmahera Island, prompting evacuations. North Sulawesi’s Ruang volcano eruption in May displaced over 12 000, and flash floods and cold lava flows from Mount Marapi in West Sumatra led to over 60 fatalities in May.
References:
1 Volcanic eruption burns houses in Indonesia, killing at least 10 people – AP – November 4, 2024
2 Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano erupts, killing 10 people – Reuters – November 4, 2024
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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