PVMBG Prohibits Tourists from Activities Within 2km Radius of Mount Lewotolok
The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) has prohibited tourists and hikers from engaging in any activities within a 2-kilometre radius of the centre of activity of Mount Ile Lewotolok in Lembata, East Nusa Tenggara Province.
Mount Ile Lewotolok observer Stanislaus Ara Kian, when contacted in Kupang on Tuesday, stated that every recommendation and report issued by his office consistently includes this prohibition.
“In accordance with the recommendation, no activities are permitted within a 2 km radius of the centre of activity of Mount Ile Lewotolok,” he said.
He noted that despite the prohibition, there are still disobedient tourists or hikers attempting to operate within the radius forbidden by the PVMBG.
According to him, the volcano is currently at ‘alert’ status. Furthermore, surface activity remains quite high, making it dangerous for tourists and hikers to operate within that radius.
He added that the Lembata Regency Government has also issued similar warnings, yet violations persist, meaning that if any incident occurs in the area, individuals will be held personally responsible.
“If something happens, it will be outside of our responsibility, but it will cause great difficulty for many people later,” he remarked.
Previously, the Lembata Regency Government of East Nusa Tenggara Province restricted the activities of tourists and the public in the Mount Ile Lewotolok volcanic area following an increase in the volcano’s volcanic activity.
“Traditional and cultural activities involving large crowds in disaster-prone areas, as well as tourism, including the Peanut Festival, are temporarily postponed until further notice from the local government, based on recommendations from PVMBG,” stated the Regent of Lembata, Kanisius Tuaq, in a circular issued in Lewoleba.
He explained that these restrictions have been implemented as a mitigation measure to protect the community from the potential dangers of eruptions, pyroclastic flows, volcanic ejecta, toxic gases, and lahars in the volcanic area.