The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) reported an increase in eruption intensity at Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. During the observation period on Wednesday (8/7) from 12:00 to 18:00 WITA, officers recorded a total of seven consecutive eruptions.
According to reports from the Lewotobi Laki-Laki Volcano Observation Post, the ash columns generated from the series of eruptions reached heights varying between 200 and 800 meters above the summit. In addition to the eruption phenomena, visual observations of the volcano showed consistent, thin crater smoke activity.
Seismic monitoring data also recorded significant seismic activity, including eruption earthquakes with amplitudes reaching up to 44.4 millimeters, as well as gust earthquakes, non-harmonic tremors, and low-frequency earthquakes. Currently, lava flow remains observed up to 3.8 kilometers to the west-northwest and 4.34 kilometers to the northeast from the eruption epicenter.
Given that the volcano's status remains at Level III (Alert/Siaga), authorities emphasized a strict prohibition against residents, hikers, and tourists approaching within a five-kilometer radius of the crater. Residents along river basins are also urged to heighten vigilance regarding the potential for rain-triggered lahar floods, particularly for populations in vulnerable areas such as Dulipali, Nobo, and Hokeng Jaya.
The PVMBG also advised residents to always wear masks to protect against volcanic ash exposure. The public is urged to continuously monitor the latest information through coordination with the local Volcano Observation Post so that appropriate mitigation measures can be implemented promptly.
