Status of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Raised to Alert Level on Tuesday Afternoon

Kuningan, West Java - The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has set the increase in the volcanic activity status of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), from Alert to High Alert or Level III on Tuesday afternoon. Acting Head of the Geological Agency Lana Saria stated in a release received in Kuningan, West Java, on Tuesday that the status upgrade is based on visual and instrumental analysis results showing a significant increase in volcanic activity over the past few days. The Geological Agency’s expert team reported that during the period of 1-11 May 2026, activity at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki was dominated by deep volcanic earthquakes reaching 21 to 32 events per day, particularly on 1-4 May 2026. According to Lana, this condition indicates a strong supply of magma or magmatic fluids towards the volcano’s system. The Geological Agency assesses that the dominance of tremors shows the fluid system in the shallow part of the volcano is still active and experiencing continuous movement. Visually, surface activity has begun to appear through the emergence of avalanches and emissions on several observation days, particularly on 2-3 May and 6 May 2026. This activity indicates that pressure from within the mountain is starting to affect the crater’s surface. The Geological Agency also recorded deformation of the volcanic body based on data from the Wolorona tiltmeter, showing an inflation trend or increased pressure inside the volcanic body. According to Lana, the current activity pattern is similar to the initial phase of increased activity before eruptions in 2024 and 2025, particularly marked by an increase in deep volcanic earthquakes followed by inflation deformation as well as high harmonic and non-harmonic tremors. Based on these conditions, the Geological Agency recommends that the public and tourists refrain from activities within a 5 km radius of the centre of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki’s eruption. Communities in the river flow areas originating from the peak of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki are also urged to be wary of potential lahar floods if heavy rain occurs, particularly in the Nawakote, Boru, Padang Pasir, Klatanlo Dulipali, Nobo, Hokeng Jaya, and Nurabelen areas. In addition, residents affected by ash rain are advised to use masks to protect their respiratory tracts.