NASA Image Reveals Ash Fallout After Deadly Indonesian Volcano Eruption

Laki-Lakione of the two stratovolcanoes that form Mount Lewotobi on the Indonesian island of FloresIt erupted in a series of devastating explosions earlier this week, the consequences of which were recorded by US satellites.

The massive explosion sent hot ash 6,500 feet into the air, covering nearby villages, killing and injuring many people and displacing thousands. Newly released images from the Landsat 9 satellite, taken a day after the explosion on November 5, reveal the extent of the ash fallout.

In the false-color image captured by OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9, the dark landscape west of the volcano crater clearly marks areas affected by recent ash deposits.

Volcanic material from the eruption stretched up to 4 miles, affecting more than 10,000 people in multiple villages, according to Indonesia’s disaster management agency.

Indonesian Volcano Eruption 2024: NASA Image

The eruptions on November 4 followed 10 months of volcanic activity during which Laki-Laki regularly emitted ash clouds that drifted westward. In August and September, ash from eruptions at Laki-Laki even reached Frans Xavier Seda Airport approximately 52 miles to the west, causing a temporary closure due to unsafe conditions.

Indonesia’s volcano monitoring agency reported a marked increase in seismic activity in the days before the massive eruption on November 4; 119 deep volcanic earthquakes were recorded on November 1 alone, compared to the typical daily average of 10 to 12.

The surge resulted in a deadly explosion that killed nine people, injured 64, and forced nearly 4,400 residents to seek shelter in emergency shelters.

The predominantly Catholic island suffered serious damage to local infrastructure, including the destruction of seven schools, nearly two dozen houses and a convent.

Another explosion occurred on Thursday, causing ash clouds to rise even higher than on Monday.

Although no other casualties have been reported so far, residents of surrounding villages remain at high risk.

Where is Lewotobi Laki-Laki Mountain?

Lewotobi Laki-Laki Mountain is located in the East Flores region of East Nusa Tenggara province. Laki-Laki and Perempuan are often referred to as “husband and wife” and both peaks form Mount Lewotobi.

The map below gives a detailed view of the volcano’s location.

Recognizing the ongoing threat, the Indonesian government announced plans to permanently relocate thousands of residents living within a 6.5 km radius of the volcano crater.

The National Disaster Management Agency said it aims to provide a long-term solution to protect communities from future eruptions.

Preliminary estimates indicate that more than 16,000 residents live in the nearest villages. Calculations are being made to determine the total number of people to be transported.

satellite data United Nations The Satellite Center published on

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