Volcanic activity at Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Wulanggitang District, East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has increased again. The volcano reportedly erupted on Tuesday afternoon at 12:42 p.m. WITA (Central Indonesia Time), launching an ash column approximately 300 meters above the peak.
According to the official report from the Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Observation Post, the cumulative height of the ash column reached about 1,884 meters above sea level. Observation post officer Bramantya Aji Putra Mahendra explained that the thick gray volcanic ash was observed drifting towards the west and northwest. The eruption was recorded on a seismograph with a maximum amplitude of 29.6 millimeters and a duration of approximately three minutes and 17 seconds.
To date, the activity status of the volcano remains at Level III (Alert/Siaga). In response to this condition, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) has issued a recommendation for local communities and tourists to refrain from any activities within a five-kilometer radius of the active crater.
In addition to the direct threat of volcanic ash, PVMBG warned of potential secondary hazards in the form of rain-triggered lahar (mudflows) along the rivers originating from the volcano's peak. Extra vigilance is required if the area experiences heavy rain, particularly for vulnerable zones such as Dulipali, Padang Pasir, Nobo, Nurabelen, Klatanlo, Hokeng Jaya, Boru, and Nawakote.
To minimize health risks from exposure to volcanic ash, affected residents are urged to wear protective masks covering their mouth and nose. PVMBG also continues to collaborate with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) at both the provincial and regency levels to monitor the situation and conduct regular mitigation efforts.
