Indonesia: volcano eruptions leave several dead

At least six people died after a volcano erupted several times at Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in eastern Indonesia, officials said.

“six fatalities have confirmed,” Abdul Muhari, the spokesman for Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency, said.

Rescue teams were still searching for potential victims trapped under the ruble of collapsed homes.

The volcano has been spewing ash up to 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) into the air every day since Thursday.

“Several houses were burned down, including a convent of Catholic nuns,” reports said.

“The government had declared a state of emergency in affected areas until December 31,” said, Avi Mangota Hallan, the head of emergency response and logistics for East Flores district.