Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency reported that a series of volcanic eruptions on the remote island of Flores has resulted in at least 10 fatalities. The eruption at Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki sent thick brownish ash soaring up to 2,000 meters into the air, causing hot ashes to rain down on several villages, including a convent of Catholic nuns. The volcanic material was ejected up to 6 kilometers from the crater, covering nearby communities with tons of debris and prompting residents to evacuate.
Rescuers are working tirelessly to locate more bodies buried under collapsed houses within a 4-kilometer radius of the crater. The eruption has impacted around 10,000 individuals in six villages of Wulanggitang District and four villages in Ile Bura district. Some displaced residents have sought refuge with relatives, while the local government is preparing schools to serve as temporary shelters.
