As thousands flee, there are many people who are reluctant to leave affected villages as the volcano continues to spew material.
Authorities raced to evacuate residents reluctant to leave affected villages from the erupting Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano in Indonesia's Flores Timur on Sunday (10 November).
The 1,584-metre-high (5,196.85-ft.) volcano has continued to spew volcanic material from its crater for a week since November 3, prompting authorities to expand the danger area and increasing the number of evacuees.
"This volcanic ash is more directed towards Maumere so many villages are affected," explained Maumere Police Officer, Agustinus Silvester. "Most of them are displaced due to the impact of this volcanic ash."
However, facing a limited supply of vehicles, the authorities could only evacuate those who were willing to leave.
"We plan to evacuate some of the remaining residents again but due to our limited transport fleet, we will wait. As soon as we can, there will be (further) evacuation for the remaining villagers," he added.
Others, like 48-year-old villager, Matheus Budi, would rather evacuate on his own.
"I'd rather evacuate by myself because I have fields and plants here so I can collect and sell the crops (in order to survive)," he said.
The Indonesian Volcanology Agency plans to expand to 9 km from 8 km (5 miles) the zone southwest to northwest of the crater that people are not allowed to enter, head of the agency said on Saturday (9 November).
Read next
05:20
Next‑Gen Transport
Archer Aviation’s four‑seat “Midnight” electric air taxi will shuttle fans, VIPs and support teams between major LA28 venues—SoFi Stadium, the Coliseum, LAX and more—in 10–20 minute hops, marking the first use of eVTOLs at any Olympic Games.
04:20
Tirana Summit
On May 16, 2025, Tirana, Albania, hosts the sixth European Political Community (EPC) Summit. Under the theme "A New Europe in a New World: Unity – Cooperation
03:25
13 Fans Injured
A car accident outside RCDE Stadium in Barcelona resulted in 13 injuries just before the La Liga match between RCD Espanyol and FC Barcelona. Authorities confirmed the incident was accidental, and the driver has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.
02:27
Strategic Agreement
Syria has entered into an $800 million memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai World to develop, manage, and operate a multi-purpose terminal at the port of Tartous, marking a significant shift in the nation's maritime infrastructure strategy.
01:34
Eurovision finalists
Sixteen nations took the stage on Thursday, but only ten earned passage to the Grand Final on May 17 alongside the Big Five and host Switzerland. Those advancing are Lithuania, Israel, Armenia, Denmark, Austria, Luxembourg, Finland, Latvia, Malta and Greece
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment