Indonesia, Lewotobi Laki-laki Volcano Activity

On January 12, 2025, at 14:51 WITA, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara erupted. The ash column was observed to be approximately 1,500 meters above the summit (about 3,084 meters above sea level). The ash column was gray in color with thick intensity, drifting towards the southwest and west. This eruption was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 7.4 mm and a duration of approximately 4 minutes and 36 seconds.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki has shown a significant increase in volcanic activity during the observation period from February 5-13, 2025. Visual monitoring indicates that the volcano emitted white to gray smoke from the main crater, with varying intensities from thin to thick. The smoke reached heights of 50-1,500 meters above the summit, while eruptions reached heights of 500-800 meters. Weather around the volcano varied from clear to rainy, with winds blowing in various directions.

The activity level of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki was officially raised from Level III (Alert) to Level IV (Danger) on Thursday (13/2) at 03:00 WITA. This status indicates that volcanic activity has reached a critical phase, with an increasing potential for a major eruption.

This condition aligns with the increased seismic activity recorded during the latest observation period. According to data from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), there were 43 eruption earthquakes, 987 emission earthquakes, 388 harmonic tremors, and several other types of earthquakes indicating magma supply and increased pressure within the volcano. A faint glow observed at night around the summit also indicates lava movement towards the surface.

Given this situation, precautionary measures are crucial to reduce risks for residents around the volcano. In facing this situation, residents and related parties are advised to avoid activities within a six-kilometer radius of the eruption center and a seven-kilometer sectoral radius from southwest to northeast. Residents are asked to follow local government directives and not be swayed by unverified information.

In addition to the eruption threat, the potential for lahar floods should also be a primary concern, especially for residents in river areas originating from the volcano's summit. This potential needs to be monitored in areas such as Dulipali, Padang Pasir, Nobo, Klatanlo, Hokeng Jaya, Boru, and Nawakote. Residents affected by ashfall are advised to use masks or nose-mouth covers to reduce the risk of respiratory problems.

To ensure residents' safety, local governments and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) continue to take mitigation measures and coordinate with various related parties. The local government continues to coordinate with the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Observation Post in Pululera Village and the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation to ensure effective mitigation measures. The East Flores Regency Government has asked residents who have returned to six villages in the Disaster-Prone Area to evacuate again to shelters or seek safe places independently. Today, the local government will hold a meeting to determine further policies according to the situation's development.

BNPB reminds residents around Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki to remain vigilant and avoid activities within the designated danger zones. Residents are also asked to prepare emergency supplies, such as food, drinking water, medicines, and important documents in a ready-to-go bag. Additionally, evacuation routes and gathering points should be clearly marked and easily accessible.

Location:
● Kec. Wulanggitang
- Ds. Nawokote
- Ds. Boru
- Ds. Hokeng Jaya
- Ds. Klatanlo
● Kec. Ile Bura
- Ds. Dulipali
- Ds. Nobo