The Indonesian government has evacuated at least 16,000 residents from villages around the volcano Levotobi Laki-Laki, which erupted and caused the death of at least 9 people, destroying thousands of houses, reported Reuters, quoted by BTA, citing local authorities.
The volcano, located on the island of Flores in the province of Eastern Lesser Sunda Islands, erupted on Sunday evening. There was another weaker volcanic eruption last night, with the area remaining at the highest level of volcanic danger in Indonesia.
Evacuation is hampered by thick volcanic ash that has accumulated on some roads, a representative of the local authorities said. As of this morning, about 2,472 of the 16,086 residents of eight villages have been evacuated, according to authorities. They were taken to three schools and temporary shelters in other nearby villages about 20 km from the crater of the erupting volcano.
According to local authorities, in addition to the nine victims, at least 63 people were injured, and about 2,384 houses and nearly 25 schools were damaged.