Indonesian volcano forces thousands to leave their homes in Flores Island
Major eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in Indonesia leads to mass-evacuation of nearby villages. Local officials work non-stop to move 16000 people away from danger zone while dealing with ash-covered roads
In a fast-moving situation Heronimus Lamawuran from East Flores govt tells about mass-evacuation near Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki: around 2500 people already moved to safety zones but many more need help
The volcano (located in East Nusa Tenggara) showed its power on nov-3rd night with a big blast‚ followed by another smaller one next evening — both events put the mountain on highest danger level. Local teams work hard to move 16000 people from eight close-by villages‚ but thick ash makes some roads hard to use
Emergency response includes:
- Three school buildings turned into temp homes
- Extra trucks sent with military help
- Safe zones set up 20km from danger area
- Four local airports stopped working
- 58-day emergency status active
The disaster left nine people dead and 63 hurt‚ while damaging over 2000 homes and 25 schools in the area. Indonesiaʼs location on Pacific Ring of Fire (where earth plates meet) makes such events more common in this region
We plan to temporarily evacuate the residents until its safe for them to return to their villages
The govt works fast to help people move: they send more trucks and ask military guys to join in (which should speed-up the whole process)
