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View all search resultsOver 4,600 residents evacuated after Ili Lewotolok eruption
The eruption lasted around 10 minutes and brought down volcanic material as big as coconuts.
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he eruption of Mount Ili Lewotolok in Lembata regency, East Nusa Tenggara, on Sunday morning has forced 4,628 residents out of their homes, according to the Lembata Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD).
The volcano spewed a column of volcanic ash and smoke 4,000 meters into the air at 9:45 a.m. local time on Sunday. The eruption lasted around 10 minutes and brought down volcanic material as big as coconuts, said the Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center (PVMBG).
Ili Lewotolok’s alert status has been raised to siaga (watch), or level three of the country's four-tiered alert system, from level two, waspada (advisory), at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
The 4,628 evacuees are taking refuge at seven shelters across the regency as of Monday, including at the old regent’s office complex, according to the Lembata BPBD.
No injuries or damages have been reported.
The PVMBG has warned residents living on the slopes of Ili Lewotolok of potential cold lava flows, especially during heavy rain. Residents, visitors and climbers have been advised to remain outside a 4-kilometer radius from the crater.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said local authorities were doing their best to ensure everyone at the shelters followed COVID-19 health rules to reduce the risks of COVID-19 transmission among evacuees.
