Lewotobi Laki-laki Volcano first erupted on Sunday evening, followed by a smaller eruption on Monday evening, and remains at the highest alert level. Vulcanfrom Indonesia.
Evacuations were hampered by thick volcanic ash on some roads, an official said.
East Flores regional government spokesman Heronimus Lamawuran told Reuters that as of Tuesday morning, about 2,472 of the 16,086 residents of the eight villages had been evacuated.
“We plan to temporarily evacuate residents until it is safe for them to return to their villages,” he said.
Heronimus added that residents were taken to three school buildings and temporary shelters in other villages about 20 km from the crater.
Authorities reduced the death toll from 10 to nine; 63 people were injured and approximately 2,384 homes and at least 25 schools were damaged.
The local government has declared a state of emergency for the next 58 days, meaning the central government can help provide assistance to residents.
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(source: AFP)
