PVMBG: Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Eruption Pattern Remains Relatively Stable

The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) has reported that the activity of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, is still showing a relatively stable eruption pattern, even though eruptions are occurring continuously. “Although eruptions are still occurring continuously with ash column heights reaching 800 to 1,600 metres above the peak, since 16 July 2026 the eruption pattern has been relatively stable,” said Herman Yosep M Boro, Head of the Lewotobi Laki-laki Volcano Observation Post in Wulanggitang District, in a report received in Kupang on Tuesday. Based on the Volcano Observation Post report for the period of 16–22 July 2026, the mountain was visually clear, though occasionally covered by fog. The main crater emitted white to grey smoke with thin to moderate intensity, reaching approximately 50–100 metres above the peak. Material avalanches were also recorded, although the distance and direction of the slides could not be observed visually. Instrumental monitoring results indicate that seismic activity is still dominated by eruption earthquakes. The PVMBG stated that overall, eruptive activity has not shown a significant increase, either in the height of the eruption column or in the morphology of the volcano. Surface activity is still dominated by open-vent type eruptions. In addition, only three harmonic tremors were recorded, which does not yet indicate an increase in volcanic activity. Non-harmonic tremors and low-frequency earthquakes have also decreased compared to the previous period. Meanwhile, deep volcanic earthquakes did increase to 18 events compared to the previous week. However, this number is still far lower than during the phase of increased activity that occurred from late April to early May 2026. Deformation data also shows that the magmatic system is still in a deflation phase and has not yet shown any indication of magma recharge from depth. The PVMBG continues to urge residents, visitors, and tourists not to conduct any activities within a five-kilometre radius of the eruption centre of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki.