BNPB: Emergency response status for Lewotobi eruption extended

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) said that the emergency response status for disaster management arising from the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has been extended to optimise the recovery period and protection of affected residents. ‘Aktivitas Gunung Lewotobi Laki-Laki di Kabupaten Flores Timur masih terus dipantau. Status tanggap darurat akibat erupsi gunung api tersebut telah diperpanjang dan berlaku hingga Selasa 30 Juni,’ said Abdul Muhari, Head of the Data, Information, and Disaster Communications Centre at BNPB, in Jakarta, on Thursday. BNPB confirmed that the decision to extend monitoring and emergency response was taken based on technical recommendations regarding the volcano’s fluctuating activity. Abdul explained that the extension of the emergency status provides a legal umbrella for the government and relevant agencies to continue deploying resources, logistics, and personnel on the ground effectively. This step was also taken to ensure that all basic needs of evacuees at shelter posts are regularly met while the risk of secondary hazards such as lava eruptions or volcanic ash emissions remains possible. BNPB urged communities around the slopes of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki and visitors to continue complying with the safe-radius recommendations set by field officers. Earlier, the Geology Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) raised the volcanic activity status of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki from Waspada to Siaga, or Level III, on Tuesday (12/5). The elevation was based on visual and instrumental analyses showing a significant increase in volcanic activity. A team of Geology experts reported that during 1-11 May 2026, activity at Lewotobi Laki-Laki was dominated by volcanic earthquakes, numbering 21 to 32 events per day, especially from 1-4 May 2026. This indicated a substantial supply of magma or magmatic fluids moving toward the volcanic system. In addition, non-harmonic tremor activity was recorded in high numbers and persisted at about 17-27 events per day. Based on these conditions, Geology urged people and visitors not to engage in activities within a five-kilometre radius of the eruption center of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki. Residents in the watershed areas that rise from the summit were also asked to watch for potential lahar floods in heavy rain, particularly in Nawakote, Boru, Padang Pasir, Klatanlo Dulipali, Nobo, Hokeng Jaya, and Nurabelen. Additionally, those affected by ash fall were advised to wear masks to protect their airways.