New high-level eruption at Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano ejects ash up to 16.7 km (55 000 feet) a.s.l., Indonesia
A new powerful eruption took place at Indonesia’s Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano on November 7, 2024, producing a thick column of ash that rose up to 16.7 km (55 000 feet) above sea level. This eruption follows increased volcanic activity since the end of October and a powerful eruption on November 3 during which 9 people died and more than 2 000 homes were damaged by lava bombs.
Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano eruption on November 7, 2024. Credit: PVMBG
A new series of powerful explosions started at Laki-laki at 22:49 UTC on November 6 (05:49 LT on November 7) after a pause of just a couple of hours and intensified into Thursday, November 7.
A massive ash cloud enveloped the region by 04:50 UTC on Thursday, significantly reducing visibility, while hazardous pyroclastic flows rapidly descended down the slopes of the volcano.
According to Darwin VAAC advisory issued at 05:10 UTC, a high-level eruption to 16.7 km (55 000 feet) a.s.l. is moving south as well as laterally east and west. Meanwhile, volcanic ash to 7.3 km (24 000 feet) a.sl. is moving southwest.
“The ash column was observed to be brown in color with thick intensity towards the southwest, west and northwest. When this report was made, the eruption was still ongoing,” PVMBG volcanologist Yohanes Kolli Sorywutun noted at 05:48 UTC (10:48 LT).
The Aviation Color Code remains at Red and the Alert Level at 4 of 4.
Lekas pulih Tanah floresku #Lewotobi pic.twitter.com/CkVAkGaur0
— Low profile (@Erickblank) November 7, 2024
Eruption at Lewotobi volcano on November 7, 2024. Video credit: Eric Blank
Following the eruption on November 3, Indonesian authorities issued evacuation orders for 16 000 people living within 7 km (4 miles) of the crater.
On November 6, Indonesia announced permanent relocation for thousands of people, although the exact number was not specified.
References:
1 Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano activity updates – PVMBG – November 7, 2024
2 VA Advisory for Lewotobi volcano – Darwin VAAC – November 7, 2024
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