Rescue teams in Indonesia are working against challenging conditions to find survivors after Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted on Flores Island, killing at least nine people and forcing thousands to flee their homes. The eruption, which began on Monday, sent thick columns of ash over 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) into the sky and spread a deadly mix of lava, gravel, and ash up to seven kilometers (4.3 miles) from the crater. The volcanic debris has blanketed surrounding villages, creating a perilous environment for both locals and rescue workers.

The eruption sent over 2,400 residents fleeing to emergency shelters, with families scrambling for safety as lava and rocks rained down on their villages. Adelina Nuri, a mother of three from Hokeng, described the terrifying experience: “The tremendous roar of the volcano suddenly woke us up that night, followed by flashes of lightning.” As she and her family fled, they faced a barrage of glowing rocks and a frightening view of the fiery mountain. “I saw a dazzling light like a glowing giant lamp from the mountain when volcanic materials began to hit our zinc roof, creating noise in my house. We were scared and panicked,” Nuri recalled.

The National Disaster Management Agency initially reported a death toll of 10 but revised it down to nine after rescuers managed to pull one critically injured person from the rubble of a collapsed home. In addition to the fatalities, 63 people sustained injuries, with 31 in serious condition and receiving hospital treatment.

Mount Lewotobi’s eruption devastated local infrastructure, destroying seven schools, around two dozen homes, and a convent. The island, which has a predominantly Catholic population, saw many of its community structures damaged or obliterated.

Efforts to locate survivors and evacuate those in danger have been hindered by thick layers of mud, smoldering ash, and a power outage, according to local disaster agency official Kensius Didimus. These conditions have slowed rescue operations, making it difficult for emergency teams to navigate through the debris.

As emergency shelters fill up, authorities are working to provide essential supplies to displaced families while continuing to monitor volcanic activity on the island. The eruption of Mount Lewotobi highlights Indonesia’s vulnerability to natural disasters, with the country situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Indonesian authorities are urging local residents to remain cautious, with the possibility of further eruptions and the need for continued vigilance in the days to come.

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