Mount Ile Lewotolok Erupts 158 Times, Lava Flows 1.2 km

Mount Ile Lewotolok in East Nusa Tenggara has again turned red due to lava flows extending 1.2 kilometres from the crater rim. Over a 24-hour period, the volcano was recorded erupting 158 times.

Officer at the Mount Ile Lewotolok Observation Post, Yeremias Kristianto Pugel, said the eruptions occurred on Tuesday (17/8/2026) from 00.00 to 24.00 Wita. The volcano, which stands 1,413 metres above sea level, produced eruptions with heights of 100 to 500 metres.

“It erupted 158 times, with amplitudes of 11.1 to 40 millimetres and durations of 39 to 119 seconds. The eruptions were accompanied by ejection of incandescent material and weak to moderate rumbling or booming sounds. Lava flows were observed moving towards the southern sector, 1,200 metres from the crater rim,” Yeremias said in a statement received by detikBali on Wednesday (19/8/2026).

In addition to the eruptions, 13 gas emissions were recorded, along with 36 non-harmonic tremors, 2 hybrid events, and 3 shallow volcanic earthquakes. Continuous tremor was also recorded with amplitudes of 16.6 to 33.2 millimetres.

Yeremias urged communities around Mount Ile Lewotolok, including visitors, climbers, and tourists, not to enter or conduct activities within a 2-kilometre radius of the volcano’s activity centre.

The public was also asked to be aware of the threat of lava avalanches and pyroclastic flows in the southern and southeastern sectors.

“Be aware of the threat of lava avalanche landslides towards the southern, southeastern, and northeastern sectors of Mount Ile Lewotolok,” he added.

Furthermore, the public was advised to wear protective masks covering the mouth and nose, as well as other equipment to protect the eyes and skin from respiratory disturbances.

“Cover clean water storage containers to avoid exposure to volcanic ash,” he concluded.