JAKARTA, Nov 4 (NNN-ANTARA) – Ten people have been confirmed dead, after Mount Lewotobi erupted late last night, in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province, according to national disaster management agency BNPB spokesperson, Abdul Muhari, today.
“It is confirmed that 10 people have died. Nine bodies have been recovered, while one remains trapped under the rubble,” Muhari said at a press conference.
The volcanic eruption prompted mass evacuations, with most of the more than 10,000 affected residents from seven villages heading to evacuation centres, he said.
Muhari noted that, residents are prohibited from entering a 7-kilometre danger zone around the crater, adding that, search operations are underway for any missing individuals, but he did not specify a number.
“No activities are allowed within a 7-kilometre radius of the crater, except for rescue personnel searching for missing victims,” he emphasised.
To facilitate emergency relief efforts, the local government declared an emergency status from today until Dec 31, this year, Muhari said.
BNPB’s head, and personnel are expected to arrive at the affected area tonight, to lead the disaster response coordination efforts, bringing essential supplies for those affected.
The eruption’s hot clouds sparked fires in residential areas and nearby vegetation, Richard Felt, an analyst at the provincial disaster management and mitigation agency, said.
Mount Lewotobi is one of Indonesia’s 127 active volcanoes.– NNN-ANTARA
