A powerful eruption at Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki in Indonesia sent ash six miles high into the air, while also spewing poisonous gas towards nearby villages. The second day of eruptions has left local areas covered in debris from the volcano’s activity.
The Indonesian Geology Agency reported an avalanche of searing gas clouds mixed with rocks and lava that traveled up to three miles down the mountain’s slopes. Drone observations revealed deep magma movement, triggering tremors detected by seismic monitors.
Residents are being warned about heavy rainfall that could trigger lava flows in rivers originating from the volcano. The agency has asked them to be vigilant.
Saturday’s eruption was one of Indonesia’s largest since 2010 when Mount Merapi erupted on Java Island, causing over 350 deaths and forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate. A “red alert” was issued for flights, and a tsunami was feared after a massive ash cloud exploded from the volcano in June.
The Australian government also issued a “red” aviation alert following the intense eruption, while Japan’s Meteorological Agency is investigating whether the eruption could spark a tsunami. Terrifying footage shows a gargantuan plume of orange and grey smoke erupting from the volcano, with local residents watching in horror as dark smoke was spewed into the air.
Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of high seismic activity atop multiple tectonic plates. Recent eruptions at Mount Lewotobi have forced evacuations and closed international airports.
Source: https://www.the-sun.com/news/14897560/indonesia-volcano-eruption-ash-gas