2024-11-04 03:11:00
According to official figures, at least nine people have died in an eruption of the Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano in eastern Indonesia. The volcano on the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province erupted on Sunday evening, throwing lava, ash and glowing rocks into the air, a spokesman for the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazards (PVMBG) said on Monday.
“After the eruption, there were power outages, then it rained and there was intense lightning, which caused residents to panic,” he said. The nearest settlements, about four kilometers from the crater, were hit by lava and rock, houses were damaged and set on fire. Several surrounding villages have already been evacuated. Rescue and evacuation work continued.
The warning level for the volcano was raised to the highest level and an exclusion zone of seven kilometers around the crater was recommended. Indonesia lies on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a region with high seismic activity.
1730690854
#dead #volcanic #eruption #Indonesia
**Interview with Dr. Maya Sari, Volcanologist**
**Host:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Sari. With the recent eruption of the Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano and the tragic loss of at least nine lives, what do you believe should be Indonesia’s priority when it comes to disaster preparedness for such volcanic eruptions?
**Dr. Sari:** Thank you for having me. Certainly, the immediate focus should be on effective evacuation plans and real-time monitoring of volcanic activity. Given that Indonesia is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, enhancing early warning systems is crucial. Communities need to be well-informed about evacuation routes and safety protocols in case of an eruption.
**Host:** In light of this disaster, some critics argue that Indonesia’s government hasn’t done enough to prepare its citizens for natural disasters. Others believe that no amount of preparation can truly safeguard people from such unpredictable events. Where do you stand on this debate?
**Dr. Sari:** It’s a complex issue. On one hand, we can improve our preparedness through education and infrastructure development. But we must also acknowledge the unpredictable nature of volcanic eruptions. I think a balanced approach is essential—while we should invest in better disaster response strategies, we should also manage expectations regarding the ability to prevent loss of life in every situation.
**Host:** That’s an intriguing perspective. How do you think communities can be more involved in their own safety during such unpredictable natural events?
**Dr. Sari:** Community involvement is key. Local training programs that teach residents about volcanic activity and emergency response can empower them. Engaging communities in preparedness drills and fostering a culture of safety can significantly reduce panic and chaos during actual events.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Sari, for this valuable insight. Now, to our readers: considering the recent volcanic activity and the loss of life, do you believe the Indonesian government is doing enough to prepare its citizens for the dangers posed by natural disasters? What measures do you think should be prioritized? Let us know your thoughts!
