Wed Nov 13 00:46:24 UTC 2024: ## Deadly Volcanic Eruption Hits Indonesian Island of Flores
**MAUMERE, Indonesia (AP) -** A series of volcanic eruptions on the Indonesian island of Flores has claimed at least 10 lives, including a child, and forced thousands to flee their homes. The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, which began early Monday morning, spewed thick brownish ash as high as 2,000 meters into the air and sent hot ash raining down on nearby villages.
The eruption, which is the second major volcanic event in Indonesia within weeks, caused significant damage, including the burning of houses and a convent of Catholic nuns in the Wulanggitang District. One nun died, and another remains missing.
Authorities have evacuated residents from six villages in the Wulanggitang District and four in the Ile Bura district, with an estimated 10,000 people affected. Rescue teams are still searching for more bodies buried under collapsed houses.
The Indonesian volcano monitoring agency raised the alert level for Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki to the highest level and doubled the exclusion zone to a 7-kilometer radius after midnight on Monday, as the eruptions became more frequent.
“The eruptions that occurred since Friday were due to the accumulation of hidden energy,” said Muhammad Wafid, the head of Geology Agency at the Energy and Mineral Resources ministry.
The eruption is a stark reminder of Indonesia’s vulnerability to volcanic activity. Located along the “Ring of Fire,” the archipelago nation is home to 120 active volcanoes and is prone to earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic activity.
First Piper 