The Indonesian government has launched an urgent evacuation operation, aiming to relocate at least 16,000 residents from the high-risk area surrounding Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano, which erupted on the night of November 3 and again on November 4. This eruption, classified under Indonesia’s highest alert status, has already claimed nine lives, injured 63 people, and severely damaged thousands of homes in the East Nusa Tenggara province on Flores Island. Thick volcanic ash and extensive damage to infrastructure have complicated evacuation efforts, while the government intensifies support to affected areas.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, a stratovolcano on the seismically active Flores Island, erupted violently on the night of November 3. The eruption produced an enormous ash cloud that blanketed surrounding villages, damaging houses, schools, and other vital infrastructure. A secondary eruption followed on the night of November 4, compounding the devastation and creating new hazards for residents and emergency workers alike.
“Initially, the death toll was estimated at ten, but after further verification, authorities have confirmed that nine people have lost their lives due to the eruption,” Heronimus Lamawuran, spokesperson for the East Flores regional government, told Reuters. In addition to the fatalities, 63 people suffered injuries, and approximately 2,384 homes were damaged, along with at least 25 schools, leading to a state of emergency in the region.
Indonesian authorities are working urgently to evacuate the roughly 16,000 residents in the volcano’s immediate danger zone. However, thick layers of volcanic ash coating the roads have significantly hindered these efforts. As of the morning of November 5, only 2,472 residents from eight villages had been successfully evacuated. Officials anticipate further complications if Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki continues to erupt.
“Currently, we are prioritizing the most vulnerable residents, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions, as they face the highest risk from exposure to volcanic ash and sulfur gases,” Lamawuran explained. “Our goal is to temporarily relocate them until we can confidently say it’s safe for them to return home.”
To support the evacuations, the government has deployed additional trucks, along with military and police personnel, to assist with moving people out of harm’s way. The evacuees are being temporarily housed in three school buildings and makeshift shelters in nearby villages approximately 20 kilometers from the crater.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, part of the Lewotobi volcanic complex on Flores Island, has a history of violent eruptions that date back centuries. Though smaller eruptions and minor activity have been common in recent years, experts note that the current level of eruption activity is unusually intense. It serves as a reminder of Indonesia’s precarious location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a 40,000-kilometer arc prone to frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes due to the convergence of multiple tectonic plates.
Volcanologist Agus Fadhli from Indonesia’s Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) noted, “Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki’s recent eruption was not unexpected, as we have been monitoring signs of heightened volcanic activity since early October. However, the sudden escalation has taken many by surprise and reinforced the importance of maintaining vigilance in this region.”
In response to the growing crisis, the East Flores government has declared a 58-day state of emergency, allowing the central government to coordinate and provide aid on a national level. The declaration facilitates faster distribution of resources, including food, medical supplies, and housing, to help support the displaced population.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has expressed solidarity with the people of Flores Island, assuring them that “all necessary resources are being mobilized to ensure the safety and well-being of affected residents.” The national disaster management agency, along with local authorities, has set up relief stations across the region, where evacuees can receive food, water, and medical assistance.
Additionally, local authorities have issued health warnings, urging residents to take precautions against the ash that continues to blanket the air and soil. Exposure to volcanic ash can lead to respiratory issues and exacerbate pre-existing health conditions. Schools in East Flores have also been closed, and the government is closely monitoring the air quality.
Four regional airports on Flores Island, essential for local transportation and tourism, have temporarily closed due to thick ash clouds and low visibility. The closures impact not only evacuation efforts but also the island’s economy, which relies heavily on tourism. Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki has been a popular destination for adventurous tourists, but the eruption has reminded visitors and residents alike of the risks associated with living near active volcanoes.
“We are advising airlines and travelers to avoid the area until conditions improve,” a spokesperson for Indonesia’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation stated. “Currently, the airports are closed, but we will continue to assess the air quality and visibility, and open them as soon as it is safe to do so.”
While neighboring islands remain unaffected for now, experts caution that the region could experience additional seismic activity in the days following the eruption. Indonesia’s PVMBG is closely monitoring other volcanoes in the region for signs of similar activity, as increased seismic pressure could affect nearby fault lines.
Indonesia, an archipelago consisting of over 17,000 islands, has one of the largest concentrations of active volcanoes in the world. Positioned along the Pacific Ring of Fire, it experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Despite these risks, millions of Indonesians live in close proximity to active volcanoes due to fertile volcanic soil that supports agriculture.
This agricultural dependence often complicates evacuation efforts, as many residents are reluctant to leave behind their land, crops, and livestock. Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki’s recent eruption exemplifies the difficulties faced by government officials as they strive to balance public safety with the economic and cultural significance that volcanoes represent for local communities.
Dr. Siti Hadi, a researcher specializing in volcanic disaster management, points out, “While volcanic soil provides significant agricultural benefits, the risks associated with living near active volcanoes cannot be underestimated. Evacuation plans must account not only for people’s immediate safety but also for long-term livelihood solutions, as residents often lose everything in a major eruption.”
In the aftermath of the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki eruption, Indonesian authorities are reevaluating their emergency response strategies, particularly in the eastern provinces where infrastructure is limited. Many roads in rural areas are not equipped to handle volcanic ash, which hardens when it rains and becomes nearly impassable, creating further obstacles to evacuation and relief distribution.
To address these infrastructure issues, the Indonesian government is considering the construction of reinforced evacuation routes and storage facilities for emergency supplies in East Flores and other vulnerable regions. Moreover, early-warning systems are being reassessed and upgraded to improve communication between the PVMBG, local authorities, and residents in high-risk areas.
“By investing in more robust infrastructure and enhancing communication networks, we hope to mitigate the impact of future eruptions and minimize loss of life,” explained Agus Fadhli of the PVMBG.
