JAKARTA, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- The death toll from the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, has risen to 10, up from six, as of 10.20 am western Indonesian time.
National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) spokesperson Abdul Muhari said nine victims have been evacuated, while one individual remains trapped in the rubble of a building.
“The victims were found within a four-kilometre radius of the volcano, which is beyond the previously recommended safe distance of three-kilometre under Alert Level III,” he stated during a briefing on Monday.
The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) has elevated the volcanic activity status of the mount from level III to IV, or “Beware”.
“Significant volcanic activity last night, captured in visual and amateur video reports sent to BNPB, showed incandescent rocks creating large holes and causing fires in some areas, prompting the expansion of the safe distance,” Abdul Muhari explained.
He noted that one airport in Maumere town is currently closed, based on preliminary information, and BNPB will coordinate with the Ministry of Transportation for further updates regarding the closure.
The eruption occurred on Sunday at 11.57 pm central Indonesian time, and as of this morning, low-intensity eruptions are still ongoing.
-- BERNAMA
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