2024-11-05 07:35:00
Thousands of people have been evacuated from the danger zone following the eruption of the Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano on the Indonesian island of Flores. The government called on the emergency teams to bring all residents living in risk areas around the Feuerberg to safety as quickly as possible. Saving lives is the top priority, it said. The death toll, initially given as ten, has now been revised by civil protection to nine.
A rescued victim survived, but his life was in danger. According to the newspaper “Kompas,” the search for possible additional victims was ongoing. The volcano suddenly threw ash and glowing rock for kilometers on Monday night.
The rock, which fell like glowing hail on seven surrounding towns, caused severe damage and started fires. Many people were buried under the rubble as their burning houses collapsed. Dozens were injured. The entire area was covered in a thick layer of ash. According to civil protection, more than 10,000 residents are affected.
Meanwhile, the authorities tried to bring urgently needed emergency aid to the people. The government sent aid workers, medical supplies, food and other essential supplies to the worst-hit areas, but difficult terrain and ash made access difficult.
Around 2,400 people have already been accommodated in evacuation centers in other villages. Many fled their homes in panic. Most had nothing with them except the clothes they were wearing.
Meanwhile, the Lewotobi Laki-Laki remains active and spits columns of ash into the sky. Because of the great danger, officials urged residents to avoid an area within a seven-kilometer radius of the volcano and to watch for possible volcanic mudslides in nearby rivers. The government also warned of respiratory problems from volcanic ash and advised wearing masks.
Flores, one of the Lesser Sunda Islands, is popular with tourists from all over the world. The 1,584 meter high Lewotobi Laki-Laki has been active again since the end of 2023. In the past few months it had also spewed hot gases and ash into the air several times. The world’s largest island state, Indonesia, lies on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, the most geologically active zone on earth.
1730793046
#Thousands #evacuations #volcanic #eruption #Indonesia
**Interview with Dr. Mira Sari, Volcanologist and Disaster Response Expert**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Dr. Sari. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent volcanic eruption in Indonesia. Can you describe the current situation regarding the Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano and the impact it’s had on the local population?
**Dr. Sari:** Good morning, thank you for having me. The situation is quite critical. The eruption of Lewotobi Laki-Laki has led to evacuations of thousands of residents from the surrounding areas on Flores Island. While the government has prioritized saving lives, the rapid response is essential given the potential for further eruptions and related hazards. It’s important to recognize that the initial death toll was reported as ten but has now been updated to nine, which underscores the gravity of the situation.
**Interviewer:** That’s a significant concern. Can you explain what measures are being taken to ensure the safety of those in the danger zone?
**Dr. Sari:** Certainly. The Indonesian government is deploying emergency teams to evacuate residents from risk areas swiftly. They are setting up temporary shelters and ensuring that the evacuees have access to basic necessities. Moreover, there’s a continuous assessment of volcanic activity, and the authorities are utilizing early warning systems to alert communities of any imminent danger. Communication is key in these scenarios.
**Interviewer:** We’ve heard reports of at least one survivor who was rescued but is still in critical condition. What are the challenges faced in rescue operations during such volcanic events?
**Dr. Sari:** Rescuing individuals in volcanic disaster scenarios poses unique challenges. The main issues include hazardous conditions from volcanic ash and gases, which can severely affect air quality and visibility. Additionally, the terrain can be treacherous and unstable post-eruption. Rescuers also face the emotional toll of dealing with both survivors and the loss of life, as they work under extreme pressure to locate and assist victims.
**Interviewer:** With the frequent volcanic activity in Indonesia, what long-term strategies should be considered to improve disaster preparedness in the region?
**Dr. Sari:** Long-term strategies should include enhancing community education on disaster preparedness, reinforcing infrastructure to withstand such events, and improving the monitoring systems for volcanic activity. Additionally, collaboration among governmental agencies, local communities, and international organizations can bolster resources for evacuation planning and emergency response. Sustainable land-use planning is also crucial to mitigate risks in vulnerable areas.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Sari, for your insights and expertise on this tragic event. We hope for a swift recovery for the affected communities.
**Dr. Sari:** Thank you for having me, and my thoughts are with everyone impacted by this disaster.
