Indonesia's Lewotobi eruption claims lives as ash spreads
At least nine people died overnight from Sunday to Monday on the Indonesian island of Flores due to the eruption of the Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano, according to the Polish Press Agency. Once again, the infamous "Ring of Fire" has made its presence known, occasionally bringing calamities to the region.
The Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano erupted several times overnight from Sunday to Monday, spewing massive amounts of hot ash and streams of lava that reached nearby villages. The lava and volcanic ash destroyed several residential and farm buildings, causing significant material damage.
A thick layer of dust and ash covered the areas around the volcano, forcing some residents to immediately evacuate. Authorities have declared a closed zone within a 6-kilometre radius from the summit of Lewotobi Laki-Laki to ensure the local population's safety. Unfortunately, at least nine people have died.
Indonesia is located in the "Ring of Fire"
Indonesia, situated on an archipelago of islands, lies in a zone of high seismic and volcanic activity. This area is called the "Pacific Ring of Fire." The region is characterised by frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, which result from one tectonic plate "pushing" under another.
The Ring of Fire encompasses the coasts of several countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Russia, Indonesia, and several countries in South America. Seismic and volcanic activity in this area poses a huge risk to the people living within the "Ring of Fire."
The eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis occurring here cause material damage and fatalities. Hence, it is crucial to continuously monitor the area and respond to danger, which can minimise potential losses.
