Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, located in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has once again shown a significant increase in volcanic activity. On Thursday afternoon (July 16, 2026) at around 1:22 PM WITA, the volcano experienced a subsequent eruption, spewing a thick gray ash column 1,000 meters high to the west and northwest.
Aji Putra Mahendra, an officer at the Lewotobi Laki-laki Volcano Observation Post (PGA), confirmed that this eruption was recorded on the seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 47.3 mm. The duration of the volcanic ash burst lasted for approximately 1 minute and 57 seconds.
Before the afternoon eruption, the stratovolcano was reported to have erupted twice during the morning observation period, specifically between 6:00 AM and 12:00 PM WITA. The morning eruptions produced ash columns ranging from 300 to 600 meters above the peak, with recorded seismic amplitudes of 14.8 to 22.2 mm.
In anticipation of potential danger, authorities have urged local residents and tourists to evacuate the danger zone within a 5-kilometer radius of the center of volcanic activity. Furthermore, people in areas affected by volcanic ash exposure are strongly advised to wear protective masks to prevent respiratory problems.
