Mount Ile Lewotolok, located in Lembata Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, has shown a significant increase in volcanic activity once again. During the observation period from June 16 to 30, 2026, the Geological Agency recorded 1,475 eruptions accompanied by various other types of seismic activity.
Acting Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, explained that besides eruptions, monitoring instruments recorded thousands of emission seismic events as well as harmonic and non-harmonic tremors, indicating an escalation compared to the previous two-week period. This process indicates a magma supply moving from the depths toward the surface, increasing pressure on the mountain's structure.
Visually, the eruption column was reported to reach a height of 800 meters, while smoke emissions reached 300 meters above the crater peak. This natural phenomenon was occasionally accompanied by weak to moderate rumbling and booming sounds. Incandescent glow and ejecta were also observed pointing toward the southeastern and southern sectors of the crater.
Authorities emphasized that local residents, visitors, and tourists must continue to comply with the exclusion zone. Everyone is advised against conducting activities within a two-kilometer radius of the active crater to avoid the risk of incandescent material and lava flows that could occur at any time.
