Indonesia raises alert to highest level after multiple eruptions at Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano

Indonesia has raised the alert level to the highest for Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki after it erupted eight times over the weekend, the country’s volcanology agency said.

The volcano, located on Flores island in eastern Indonesia, sent ash clouds soaring between 1.9 and 3.4 miles high on Sunday, according to agency chief Muhammad Wafid.

“Our analysis shows that activity remains high, so the alert level was raised Sunday evening,” Wafid said.

Thick gray ash was seen billowing from the crater, and rumbling sounds of varying intensity were reported from nearby monitoring stations.

The volcano erupted again Monday morning, sending ash about three-quarters of a mile into the air.

Authorities have ordered residents to stay clear of an area within 3.5 miles of the crater due to risks of ash and cold lava flows, especially if heavy rains occur.

So far, no evacuations or flight cancellations have been reported.

Last year’s eruption of Lewotobi Laki Laki killed at least nine people and forced thousands to flee.

Indonesia lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent volcanic activity and earthquakes.

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