The Indonesian government has launched a large-scale evacuation operation to relocate at least 16,000 residents from eight villages surrounding Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, an active volcano on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara province. The eruption, which began on Sunday night, has claimed nine lives, left 63 people injured, and caused extensive property damage, including over 2,380 houses and 25 schools. The volcano remains on Indonesia's highest alert level following a secondary eruption on Monday night.

Heronimus Lamawuran, spokesperson for the East Flores regional government, reported that, as of Tuesday morning, around 2,472 residents had been safely evacuated. "We plan to temporarily evacuate the residents until it’s safe for them to return to their villages," Lamawuran explained, noting that evacuation efforts were slowed by thick layers of volcanic ash on several roads. The evacuated residents are currently being housed in school buildings and temporary shelters approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the volcano's crater.

To support the ongoing operation, additional trucks as well as military and police personnel were deployed on Tuesday. Authorities have also declared a 58-day state of emergency, enabling the central government to provide aid to the affected areas.

The eruptions have forced the closure of four small airports on Flores Island as a precautionary measure. Located on the "Pacific Ring of Fire," Indonesia is highly susceptible to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes due to its position at the convergence of multiple tectonic plates.

As emergency teams work tirelessly to protect residents and manage the crisis, the nation remains on high alert, monitoring Mount Lewotobi's activity to ensure the safety of those in the region.