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Indonesia volcano eruption kills 10, sets houses aflame

By AFP
November 05, 2024
Smoke billows from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, seen from Klatanlo village, in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, on November 4, 2024. — AFP/File
Smoke billows from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, seen from Klatanlo village, in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, on November 4, 2024. — AFP/File

EAST FLORES, Indonesia: A volcano in eastern Indonesia erupted overnight, killing at least 10 people as it spewed fireballs and ash on surrounding villages, officials said Monday as they raised the alert to its highest level.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a 1,703-metre (5,587-feet) twin volcano located on the popular tourist island of Flores, erupted shortly before midnight, forcing authorities to evacuate several villages.

Residents described their horror when the crater started shooting flaming rocks at their homes. “I was asleep when suddenly the bed shook twice, as if someone had slammed it. Then I realised the volcano had erupted, so I ran outside,” said 32-year-old hairdresser Hermanus Mite.