Indonesia: Another Volcano Eruption in the Lesser Sunda Islands… 16,000 Residents to be Permanently Relocated

A volcano in Indonesia’s eastern Lesser Sunda Islands, which caused the deaths of nine people, has erupted again.On the 7th, according to local media such as Antara News, the Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano in eastern Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province, erupted again in the morning.

Indonesia’s Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) reported that on the morning of the 7th alone, the volcano erupted seven times, spewing ash up to 5 km above the crater. Volcanic lightning, caused by friction of volcanic ash particles, was also observed.In addition, lava flowed up to 1 km away.

Local authorities stated that no casualties have been reported from this latest eruption because residents had already evacuated after the previous eruption.

The volcano’s eruption on the night of the 3rd of this month affected about 10 villages and 10,000 residents in the vicinity, resulting in nine deaths, more than 60 injuries, and damage to about 2,000 houses.

In response, Indonesian authorities raised the volcano alert to the highest level (Level 4) and closed four nearby airports. They also decided to permanently relocate about 16,000 residents living near the volcano.

Suharyanto, head of the National Disaster Management Agency, said that the permanent relocation is a long-term measure to ensure public safety and prevent further damage from disasters, and that most residents have agreed to the move.Indonesia, located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, is home to about 120 active volcanoes.

The Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano last erupted in December of last year for the first time in 20 years, and continued to erupt into early this year, causing the evacuation of about 2,000 residents at that time.

Psalms 139:13 ~ 15

13. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

15. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 🙏 Pray for 1. Indonesia faces frequent natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis, resulting in the loss of countless lives every year. Many souls suffer from serious damage, losing family members and facing injuries due to these disasters. Lord, please comfort them in their ongoing suffering.

    
    

    We repent on behalf of those who, in their fear and confusion, have turned to false idols and offered sacrifices, and for those who have believed in the false god of Islam rather than in You. Lord, forgive them.

    
    

    May this land be filled with the acknowledgment of the Creator God, who has fearfully and wonderfully made us and knows every detail of our being. Let the Gospel enter this place, and grant them the saving grace of Jesus Christ. 2. Lord, visit Flores Island, where this earthquake occurred, and pour out heavenly comfort. For the 16,000 people who must be permanently relocated, may the government remain attentive and provide ongoing care until they are well-settled in their new homes.

    
    

    Continue to send helpers to assist them. May the Indonesian Church willingly serve those affected by disasters with the love of Jesus Christ, and may the Gospel of Jesus Christ flow forth like water, powerfully bearing witness to Your salvation.