Inp.polri.go.id - Kupang.  The East Flores Regency Communication and Information Agency confirmed that eight people were killed by falling debris after Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted in Wulanggitang District early Monday (4/11/2024).

“As of now, eight fatalities have been identified due to volcanic debris,” said East Flores Communication Agency Head, Hery Lamawuran, as reported by antaranews.com.

The eruption, recorded by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), occurred at 2.48 am. with seismic activity registering a maximum amplitude of 17 millimeters and lasting around three minutes. Ash columns were not observed.

Hery added that, in addition to the fatalities, the eruption caused fires that damaged homes and a school building.

“We have yet to receive official data on the total number of damaged homes, but one school is confirmed to have burned,” he said.

PVMBG has raised the alert status of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki from Level III (Standby) to Level IV (Alert), effective Sunday at midnight local time.

The decision came after an evaluation of the volcano's activity from 23 October 2024 to 3 November 2024, at 6 pm local time.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)