Ili Lewotolok Volcano Remains on Alert; Residents Urged to Stay 2 Kilometres from the Centre of Activity

Vulkanic activity of Ili Lewotolok in Lembata Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, has declined in the observation period 16-28 February 2026. However, the volcano’s status remains at Level II (Waspada), and the public is asked to remain vigilant.

Acting Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, said that based on analyses and evaluations of volcanic activity up to 28 February 2026, Ili Lewotolok’s activity shows a decreasing trend, but the status remains Level II.

‘Based on comprehensive analyses and evaluations up to 28 February 2026, the activity of Ili Lewotolok has declined significantly. However, the level of activity remains at Level II or Waspada,’ Lana Saria said in a written statement received on Thursday (5/3).

Visually, the volcano was clearly visible, sometimes obscured by fog. The plume from the crater appeared white to grey with light to moderate intensity, rising about 10 to 100 metres above the summit. During the observation period there were several eruptions with eruption column heights ranging from 50 to 250 metres above the summit. The eruption columns were white, grey to black.

In terms of seismicity, eruptive earthquakes were recorded at 698 events, 2,678 volcanic‑gas/ash emission earthquakes, 1 harmonic tremor, 7 non‑harmonic tremors, 2 hybrid earthquakes, 1 shallow volcanic earthquake, 17 deep volcanic earthquakes, 8 local tectonic earthquakes, and 4 distant tectonic earthquakes. Seismic energy analysis using Real-time Seismic Amplitude Measurements (RSAM) also shows a downward trend in energy, in line with the reduced seismic activity.

Deformation monitoring using EDM and GPS shows fluctuations tending to be stable with no significant changes to the volcanic body, neither inflation nor deflation.

In relation to the Level II (Waspada) status, people living around the mountain as well as visitors are asked not to enter or undertake activities within a radius of 2 kilometres from the centre of the volcano’s activity. Residents are also advised not to panic if they hear rumbling or explosions from the crater, as these are part of ongoing eruptive activity.

In addition, the public are advised to wear masks to mitigate the effects of volcanic ash, secure clean-water storage, and be alert to potential lahars, especially during the rainy season. (H-2)

During eruptions, Petugas Pos Pengamat Gunung Lewotolok, Syawaludin, noted the mountain, standing at 1,423 metres above sea level, remains under Level II monitoring. The eruption activity was recorded with a maximum amplitude of 36.2 mm and a duration of about 1 minute 25 seconds.