The authorities reported this Tuesday that they have evacuated 2,472 people from the communities located in the exclusion zone established after the eruption of the volcano in Indonesia Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which occurred the previous day, which resulted in at least nine deaths.
According to official reports, at least nine people died due to the eruption of lava and incandescent rocks that the volcano emitted between midnight Sunday and the early hours of Monday.
Volcano eruption in Indonesia leaves several injured
Additionally, 64 people were injured, including one in critical condition and 31 with serious injuries. On the other hand, seven schools and 23 homes suffered damage, according to the latest report from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD).
Due to the eruptions, the authorities have raised the alert status to level 4, the maximum, in the affected area, where the fall of ash and the presence of trees make access difficult.
The authorities have established an exclusion radius of 7 kilometers around the volcano, which has a height of 1,584 meters, and have warned about the risk of floods in the area due to the rains that are being recorded in its surroundings.
Eight towns, which house a total population of approximately 16,000 inhabitants, are within this exclusion zone, according to official data.
Indonesia has more than 400 volcanoes, of which at least 129 are active and 65 are considered dangerous.
In December 2023, the archipelago suffered the tragic eruption of the Merapi volcano on the island of Sumatra, which resulted in the death of 23 people.
Indonesia sits within the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of great seismic and volcanic activity that is shaken by about 7,000 earthquakes a year, most of them of small magnitude.
(EFE)
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**Interview on the Recent Eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. We are discussing the recent eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia. With us is Dr. Maya Alamsyah, a volcanologist and disaster management expert. Dr. Alamsyah, can you start by providing an overview of the situation?
**Dr. Maya Alamsyah:** Good morning, and thank you for having me. The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which occurred recently, is a serious event. At least nine people have tragically lost their lives, and over 64 others have been injured, with several in critical condition. The eruption has prompted authorities to evacuate nearly 2,500 residents from the immediate exclusion zone, which extends seven kilometers from the volcano.
**Interviewer:** That’s devastating news. What are the main challenges faced by the evacuation efforts?
**Dr. Maya Alamsyah:** The evacuation efforts are complicated by the heavy ashfall and volcanic debris, which have obstructed roads and access to affected areas. Additionally, the region has been experiencing heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of mudslides and flooding, further complicating rescue and relief operations. The local authorities are working diligently, but the hazardous conditions pose real challenges.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the increased alert level. Can you explain what that means for the residents and emergency services?
**Dr. Maya Alamsyah:** Yes, the alert level has been raised to level 4, the highest on the scale. This indicates a significant risk of further eruptions. Emergency services are now on high alert, and they are focusing on monitoring the volcano closely. Residents in the exclusion zone are being advised to stay in safe locations as long as the threat persists.
**Interviewer:** In terms of disaster preparedness, how does Indonesia handle such volcanic risks, given that it sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire?
**Dr. Maya Alamsyah:** Indonesia has a comprehensive disaster management strategy that includes regular drills and education for local communities about evacuation routes and safety measures. However, the sheer number of volcanoes—over 400, with many active—makes it a complex challenge. Continuous monitoring and public awareness are crucial, but we also need to work on strengthening infrastructure to make it more resilient against natural disasters.
**Interviewer:** what should the international community do to assist during such crises?
**Dr. Maya Alamsyah:** International support can be invaluable. This includes providing emergency supplies, medical assistance, and financial aid to local governments for relief efforts. Additionally, sharing expertise on disaster recovery can help improve local capacities. Any support that can bolster the resilience of affected communities will be beneficial in the long run.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Alamsyah, for your insights on this urgent situation. Our thoughts are with the affected communities in Indonesia, and we hope for a swift recovery.
**Dr. Maya Alamsyah:** Thank you for having me. Let’s continue to raise awareness about these critical issues.
