Indonesia is grappling with a series of volcanic eruptions that have led to widespread evacuations across the archipelago. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Flores Island erupted more than a dozen times over the past week, resulting in the tragic loss of nine lives. Concurrently, Mount Ibu on Halmahera Island in North Maluku province released a massive column of smoke on Wednesday, prompting the evacuation of thousands. The region's location along the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it susceptible to frequent seismic and volcanic activities, underscoring the urgent need for preparedness.
The twin-peaked Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki stands at 1,703 meters and is a prominent feature on the tourist island of Flores. Its recent eruption has heightened concerns among local communities accustomed to volcanic activity. Rista Tuyu, a local resident, acknowledged the community's resilience amidst the frequent eruptions, stating:
"Of course, there is some fear and concern, but we are already used to the eruptions here."
Mount Ibu's activity has been particularly alarming. On Wednesday, it sent a plume of smoke up to 4 kilometers into the sky. This eruption marked the ninth occurrence in January alone, compelling Indonesia's Geological Agency to elevate the volcano's alert status to its highest level. In response, authorities called for the evacuation of approximately 3,000 individuals residing near the volcano. By Thursday morning, 517 residents had been successfully evacuated, although efforts were hindered by persistent rainfall and initial administrative delays.
Residents and tourists have been advised to steer clear of a five to six-kilometer exclusion zone around Mount Ibu's peak as a precautionary measure. Furthermore, authorities recommend wearing face masks to mitigate the health risks posed by falling ash. Local leader Irfan Idrus emphasized the community's readiness to support affected residents:
"The evacuation shelters have been prepared by the local administration, and today a thorough evacuation will be conducted for all residents in six villages."
While Mount Ibu poses an immediate threat, Mount Ruang in North Sulawesi province remains a significant concern following its multiple eruptions last year. These events led to mass evacuations from nearby islands, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Indonesia's disaster management authorities.
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