Indonesian mountain erupts again, 16,000 residents face permanent relocation

Children flee during the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, Nov. 7, 2024. AFP-Yonhap

SEOUL, November 8 (AJP) - Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province erupted again on Thursday morning, shooting volcanic ash 5 kilometers high with volcanic lightning observed and lava flows extending up to 1 kilometer, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) reported.

The latest eruption, which occurred seven times during the morning, follows Thursday's deadly blast that killed nine people, injured 60 and damaged 2,000 homes across 10 villages. No casualties were reported from Sunday's eruption as residents had already evacuated.

Indonesian authorities have raised the volcanic alert to the highest level 4, closed four nearby airports, and decided to permanently relocate about 16,000 residents.

"Permanent relocation is a long-term measure to ensure public safety and prevent additional disaster-related damages, with most residents agreeing to the move," said Suharyanto, head of the national disaster mitigation agency.

AJP