This Is The Trigger For The Eruption Of Mount Lewotobi With Incandescent Lava

The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) explained that the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Male in East Flores Regency at 20.48 WITA was triggered by the accumulation of trapped gases over the past two weeks.

"Based on monitoring, volcanic earthquake activity increased significantly and magma movement was detected towards the surface," said Head of the Geological Agency Muhammad Wafid as reported by ANTARA, Friday, August 1.

Wafid conveyed this in a special report on the development of the activity of Mount Lewotobi Laki Level IV (Awas) on August 1, 2025.

Wafid explained that the height of the ash column of the eruption reached an altitude of about 10,000 meters above the top of the mountain. The eruptive material spread in all directions with an ejection 3-4 km from the crater.

Wafid explained that from 18.00 WITA to 20.00 WITA there was an increase in volcanic earthquakes followed by explosive eruptions at 20.48 WITA.

"Warning information has been conveyed to the community around the volcano before the eruption occurs," he said.

During the observation period, it was reported that the volcano was clearly visible and covered in fog with thick intensity. Observed white main crater smoke with a thin to moderate intensity of about 100-500 meters from the summit.

The weather was sunny to the rain, the wind was weak to moderate to the north, northeast, southwest, west, and northwest. The air temperature is about 19-26 degrees Celsius.

Based on the visual and instrumental analysis, Wafid continued, the activities of MountLewotobi Men are still high, so the level of activity is still set at Level IV (Awas).

He appealed to the public and tourists not to carry out activities within a 6 km radius and a 7 km southwest-northeast sector from the eruption center.

"Stay calm and follow directions from local governments," he said.

He also asked the public not to trust information with unclear sources.

In addition, people around disaster-prone areas should be aware of the potential for lava flooding in the event of heavy rains, especially in watersheds that originate at the top of Mount Lewotobi Laki, such as in Nawakote, Dulipali, Nobo, Hokeng Jaya, to Nu Selapolen.

"Residents affected by ash rain are advised to use masks or nasal and mouth coverings to protect the respiratory tract," he said.

Previously, Mount Lewotobi Male-Laki in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara erupted again on Friday night by emitting incandescent flames and a column of volcanic ash as high as 10 kilometers from the top of the active crater.