Assalamu alaikum - Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupts, ash shoots about 10 km high
Assalamu alaikum - quick update from Flores. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted early Wednesday, sending a column of volcanic ash estimated around 10 km (6.2 miles) into the sky. Authorities have put the volcano emergency on the highest level and are urging everyone to stay calm and follow official instructions.
The Geological Agency said the main blast happened at 1:35am local time and lasted about nine minutes, after an earlier eruption a couple of hours before. Officials advise people to keep at least 6 to 7 km (3.7–4.3 miles) away from the volcano and be ready to evacuate if told to do so. They also warned of possible volcanic mudflows (lahars) if heavy rain falls, and that the ash column could disrupt flights if it spreads.
Local Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport in Maumere, about 60 km west of Lewotobi, has suspended operations and will stay closed until Thursday, the airport said. This same volcano erupted in July, sending ash about 18 km high and causing flight cancellations on Bali. In November 2024, reports said ten people in nearby villages were killed and thousands of homes were damaged - may Allah have mercy on those who died (inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un).
Please keep family and neighbours informed, follow local government and disaster agency guidance, avoid rumors from unclear sources, and make dua for the safety of everyone in the area.
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