The Lewotolo volcano emits a kilometer-high column of smoke and ash over Indonesia

March 24 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The Lewotolo volcano, located on the Indonesian island of Lomblen, has emitted a column of smoke and ash nearly a kilometer high this Friday, which has set off alarms in the vicinity.

The National Agency for Disaster Management (BPBD, for its acronym in English) has indicated in a statement that a “risk zone” has been declared around the crater, according to information from the news portal ikobengkulu.com.

The measure has been adopted after the emission was registered, followed by an eruption that caused a roar. The volcano has also spit incandescent lava at a distance of up to 500 meters from the crater and in a southeasterly direction.

In addition, the authorities have urged the population to wear masks and be vigilant against “the danger of lava and hot clouds.”

Lewotolo suffered a strong eruption in 2020 that forced the authorities to close the local airport and evacuate thousands of people from their homes. On the island of Lomblen there are two other volcanoes.