Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Erupts, Spewing Ash 1,000 Metres High

Kupang (ANTARA) - The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) reported that Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, erupted again on Tuesday at 18.14 Central Indonesian Time, with an ash column observed at around 1,000 metres above the summit.

Herman Yosep M. Boro, head of the Lewotobi Laki-Laki Volcano Observation Post (PPGA), said the ash column was observed to be grey in colour with thick intensity, drifting towards the north and north-west.

“The eruption was recorded on the seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 44.4 millimetres and a duration of about 52 seconds,” he said in a volcanic activity report received in Kupang on Tuesday.

He said Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki currently remains at Level III (Alert) status, and for that reason PVMBG recommends that communities around the volcano, as well as visitors or tourists, refrain from any activity within a five-kilometre radius of the eruption centre.

Residents are also urged to remain calm, follow the instructions of the regional government, and not easily believe information from unclear sources.

In addition, residents are asked to be wary of the potential for rain-triggered lahars in rivers whose headwaters lie on the peak of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki should high-intensity rain occur, especially in the areas of Dulipali, Padang Pasir, Nobo, Nurabelen, Klatanlo, Hokeng Jaya, Boru, and Nawakote.

For communities affected by volcanic ash rain, PVMBG advises the use of masks or nose and mouth coverings to reduce the risk of respiratory problems.

The regional government is also asked to continue coordinating with the Lewotobi Laki-Laki Volcano Observation Post in Pululera Village, Wulanggitang District, East Flores Regency, as well as with PVMBG and the Geological Agency in Bandung.