Lewotobi Laki-laki Volcano Erupts Again, Spews Volcanic Ash About 1.2 Kilometres

Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, erupted again today. The Geology Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) reported that the ash plume reached about 1.2 kilometres from the active crater. The grey ash cloud with thick intensity inclined to the northeast and east. The eruption was recorded on seismograms with a maximum amplitude of 14.8 millimetres and a duration of about 1 minute 37 seconds.

‘The eruption on 5 March 2026 at 16:45 WITA had an ash column height observed at about 1,200 metres above the summit or about 2,784 metres above sea level,’ said Lana Saria, head of the Geology Agency.

The Geology Agency stated Lewotobi Laki-laki remains at Level II or ‘Waspada’. People around the mountain and visitors are asked not to engage in activities within a four-kilometre radius of the eruption centre. The Geology Agency also urged the public to stay calm and follow the directions of local authorities and not to easily trust unclear information sources.

Additionally, residents are warned to be vigilant for the potential lahars in rivers that originate at the summit if heavy rainfall occurs, especially in the Dulipali, Padang Pasir, Nobo, Nurabelen, Klatanlo, Hokeng Jaya, Boru, and Nawakote areas.

People affected by ash fall are advised to wear masks or nose and mouth coverings to protect against respiratory issues from volcanic ash.