Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

At least ten individuals, including a Catholic nun, lost their lives in a volcanic eruption on Flores Island in Indonesia. The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki occurred on November 3, affecting the Wulanggitang subdistrict in East Flores Regency with ash and lava.

Sister Nikolin Padjo from the Servants of the Holy Spirit congregation was among those killed when her convent in Boru collapsed during the event. Sister Sinta Eren, a colleague, confirmed Sister Nikolin's death and expressed sorrow: “It’s so sad, she was happy last night,” referencing their activities before the tragedy.

The eruption caused damage to several structures, including San Dominggo Hokeng Middle Seminary, where seminarians suffered injuries. Church institutions like the Society of Divine Word’s Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Commission are organizing aid for victims.

Authorities have raised the alert level to its maximum and evacuated multiple villages. The National Disaster Management Agency has identified nine bodies so far.

Local resident Yoseph Stanis recounted his experience during the eruption: “The sudden power outage and the pouring sand made us panic.” Another resident, Non Wolor, described escaping with his family on motorbikes amidst chaotic conditions.

This incident follows previous eruptions earlier this year when authorities evacuated over 2,000 residents due to heightened volcanic activity at Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki. Indonesia frequently experiences such events due to its location on the Pacific "Ring of Fire."

In December 2023, an eruption at Mount Marapi resulted in 24 fatalities among climbers. In May this year, more than 60 people died as heavy rains mobilized volcanic materials into residential zones after an eruption at Mount Ruang displaced thousands.