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Volcanic eruption in Indonesia kills at least 10 people (photos)

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At least 10 people were killed and damage was reported in seven villages after a volcano erupted on the eastern Indonesian island of Flores just before midnight on Sunday – the second major volcano in two weeks in the country, which lies in the seismologically active region known as The “Pacific Ring of Fire” is well known.

Important facts

The 24-minute eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki began at 11:57 p.m. local time on Sunday, sending a column of hot ash up to 2,000 meters high into the air from the summit of the mountain, Indonesia's Center for Volcanology and Geology Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG ) said.

The agency raised its volcano alert to the highest Level 4 as the hot column of ash landed on buildings and homes in seven villages – including a convent of Catholic nuns, the Associated Press reported.

In an update on Monday morning, Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said more than 10,000 people were affected by the eruption, although it was unclear how many had been taken to evacuation sites.

An agency spokesman told the AP that all 10 bodies – including a child – had been recovered within a 2.5-mile radius near the volcano's crater and authorities were still searching for more bodies buried under collapsed houses.

The agency said it had set up a safety zone within a seven-kilometer radius of the eruption center where people would not be allowed entry, as it warned of possible rain-induced lava flooding in the rivers that flow from the mountain's summit.

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Big number

116. That's the total number of active volcanoes across Indonesia, according to the Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program. This makes Indonesia one of the most volcanically active countries in the world after the USA and Japan.

Important background

Sunday night's eruption is one of many reported across Indonesia this year and is the country's second major volcanic eruption in two weeks. Mount Marapi in western Indonesia erupted three times late last month, hurling volcanic debris into surrounding villages – although no casualties were reported. In May, at least 37 people died after heavy rains triggered flash floods that caused cold lava to flow down Mount Marapi and destroy several surrounding homes. A month earlier, authorities were forced to evacuate more than 10,000 people after Mount Ruang erupted in northern Indonesia, triggering a tsunami warning.

Further reading

Volcanic eruption burns down homes in Indonesia, killing at least 10 people (Associated Press)

Thousands evacuated as massive volcanic eruption in Indonesia triggers tsunami warning (Forbes)

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