Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Erupts, Spews Ash 1.5 Kilometres High

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Wulanggitang District, East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, erupted again on Friday evening local time, producing an ash column approximately 1.5 kilometres above the summit. Herman Yosef S. Mboro, an officer at the Lewotobi Laki-Laki Volcano Observation Post, stated in a report that the eruption was accompanied by a loud rumbling sound. “An eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki occurred on 5 June 2026 at 18:22 WITA, with the observed ash column reaching around 1,500 metres above the peak, or approximately 3,084 metres above sea level,” he said. He explained that observations indicated the ash column was grey in colour, thick in intensity, and drifting towards the west and northwest. The eruption was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 40.7 millimetres and a duration of approximately two minutes and 13 seconds. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki remains at Alert Level III. Consequently, the authorities urged the public and tourists not to carry out activities within a five-kilometre radius of the eruption centre. “The public should remain calm, follow the directives of the local government, and not trust information from unclear sources,” Herman stated. He also reminded residents to be aware of the potential for rain-triggered lahars in rivers originating at the peak, particularly in the areas of Dulipali, Padang Pasir, Nobo, Nurabelen, Klatanlo, Hokeng Jaya, Boru, and Nawakote. Additionally, residents affected by volcanic ashfall were advised to wear masks or coverings for their noses and mouths to reduce the health risks from exposure to volcanic ash. The local government is urged to continue coordinating with the Lewotobi Laki-Laki Volcano Observation Post in Pululera Village and the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation to monitor the volcano’s activity.