Thousands evacuated following Indonesia volcano eruption

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Nusa Tenggara province has erupted several times in recent weeks. PHOTO: AFP

MAUMERE, Indonesia (AFP): More than 2,000 residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters amid heightened volcanic activities in a volcano in eastern Indonesia, a local official said Tuesday.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Nusa Tenggara province has erupted several times in recent weeks, including an eruption on Monday that spewed volcanic ash 1.5 kilometres (4,800 feet) above its peak, according to the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG).