Volcanic activity of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has significantly increased again. On Wednesday morning (22/7/2026), the volcano reportedly experienced two consecutive major eruptions that spewed thick volcanic ash into the air.
The first eruption was detected at 07:35 WITA with the ash column height reaching 1,500 meters above the peak, or about 3,084 meters above sea level. The Volcano Observation Post recorded that the thick gray ash column was blowing to the north and northeast, with the eruption earthquake lasting for 288 seconds.
Just a few hours later, precisely at 10:29 WITA, a second eruption occurred with the column height reaching 1,200 meters above the peak. This time, the ash drifted north and northwest, with the earthquake lasting for 181 seconds and a maximum amplitude of 29.6 mm.
Responding to these conditions, the officer of the Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Observation Post, Bramantya Aji, urged residents and tourists to evacuate the danger zone within a 5-kilometer radius from the eruption center. He also reminded residents to keep wearing masks to protect their respiratory systems from volcanic ash exposure.
In addition to the ash hazard, residents living on the mountain slopes are warned to be alert to the potential for rain-induced lahar floods in rivers originating from the peak, especially during heavy rainfall. Vulnerable areas such as Dulipali, Padang Pasir, Nobo, Nurabelen, Klatanlo, Hokeng Jaya, Boru, and Nawakote have been asked to increase their preparedness.
Currently, the activity status of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki remains at Alert level (Level III). According to PVMBG data, throughout 2026, this active volcano has recorded 572 eruptions.
