Mount Ile Lewotolok Eruption With Volcanic Ash As High As 900 Meters

The Mount Lewotolok Observation Post in Ile Ape District, Lembata Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), reported that the mountain experienced an eruption as high as 900 meters above the top of the mountain.

"There has been an eruption of Mount Ile Lewotolok on May 7, 2024, with the ash height being observed reaching approximately 900 meters above the top of the mountain," said Mount Ile Lewotolok Monitoring Post Officer, Yeremias Kristianto Pugel, as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, May 7.

He said that if it was calculated from sea level, the height of the ash column due to the eruption of the mountain would reach approximately 2,223 meters. Visually, he continued, the column of ash was observed to be white to gray with thick intensity leaning to the west.

"This eruption was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 15.4 mm and this temporary duration is approximately 2 minutes 8 seconds," he added.

Eruption also, he said, resulted in light ash rain in the western sector of the mountain, precisely in Waowala Village.

Currently, the status of the mountain is in Level III (Alert) status. Therefore, his party recommends several things to the surrounding community as well as visitors, climbers, tourists, namely not carrying out activities within a two-kilometer radius of the center of mountain activity.

The community in the three villages that are right at the foot of the mountain are Lamawolo, Lamatokan, and Jontona, he continued, to always be aware of the potential threat of danger from lava avalanches and hot clouds.

To avoid respiratory problems (ARI) and other health problems caused by volcanic ash, the public is advised to wear mouth and nose protection masks, as well as other equipment to protect the eyes and skin.