Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, located in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, showed a significant increase in volcanic activity again on Thursday (9/7/2026) night. According to observation post reports, this stratovolcano erupted twice in less than an hour.
Observation post officer Nurjansyah Dwi Laksona explained that the first eruption was recorded at 19:14 WITA, with the ash column reaching a height of 800 meters drifting west and northwest. A subsequent eruption occurred at 19:56 WITA with an ash column height of around 400 meters. Authorities have urged residents around the slopes to remain vigilant and wear protective masks to guard against volcanic ash exposure.
This situation adds to the psychological burden of local residents who have lived under the shadow of uncertainty for nearly the past two years. Although there was brief hope when the mountain's status was downgraded to advisory level, the status has now been raised back to alert level with a recommended danger radius of 5 kilometers.
For residents like Paulus and Melkior, this series of eruptions has become a part of daily reality. They admit they are now mostly resigned and continue to pray for their families' safety, while adapting to the region's unpredictable natural conditions.
