Jakarta (VNA) - The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (VGDMC) of Indonesia reported on November 11 that the Lewotobi volcano in East Nusa Tenggara province has erupted again, spewing a column of ash up to 2.5 km towards the west and northwest.
Due to the increased volcanic activity, the hazardous zone around the crater has been expanded from 7 km to 9 km, forcing over 12,000 people to evacuate.
Richard Felt, a senior official of VGDMC, said that the centre has advised all communities within a 12 km radius of the crater to evacuate.
VGDMC and local authorities have established at least three evacuation centers to support displaced people, providing logistics, medical care, and essential supplies. In addition to official shelters, many evacuees have been accommodated by relatives in safer areas.
The new eruption has also affected the aviation industry. Volcanic ash forced the temporary closure of three provincial airports.
According to VGDMC, the highest aviation alert is in effect, prohibiting flights below 6 km above Mount Lewotobi and advising aircraft to remain prepared for ash interference.
This eruption follows a recent one on November 4, which caused 10 deaths and 63 injuries, and forced over 4,000 people to evacuate./.
