Following Eruption Of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki And IIe Lewotolok, BMKG Warns NTT Residents Of Volcanic Ash

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has urged residents to be aware of the spread of volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores Regency and Mount Ile Lewotolok in Lembata Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

"The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki also had a significant impact on the aviation sector, such as at Maumere Airport and Larantuka Airport. Wunopito Airport in Lembata was also affected by the eruption of Mount Ile Lewotolok," said Sti Nenotek, Head of the BMKG Class II El Tari Kupang Meteorology Station, when contacted from Labuan Bajo on Tuesday.

She explained that the spread of volcanic ash is still affecting several areas on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

The spread of volcanic ash from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki is currently affecting East Flores, Sikka, Ende, and Nagekeo Regencies, while the spread of volcanic ash from Ile Lewotolok is still affecting Lembata and East Flores.

He urged residents affected by the volcanic ash to protect themselves and their health by wearing masks to prevent dust particles from entering their respiratory tract.

He asked residents to wear protective goggles to prevent eye irritation and to cover their bodies with long-sleeved clothing and a head covering.

"Don't rub your eyes or inhale the flying dust," he said.

For those staying at home, he urged them to close windows and doors tightly and seal ventilation gaps with wet cloths or plastic.

"Clean the dust carefully, using a wet cloth to prevent it from re-floating. Don't flush directly. Protect water sources such as wells and reservoirs from dust contamination," he said.

He urged residents traveling to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary.

"Use headlights and reduce speed, as visibility can be impaired. Make sure your vehicle's air filter is cleaned regularly to prevent premature damage," he said.

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) of the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) recorded Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupting three times during the observation period from September 23, 2025, to 12:00 p.m. WITA.

"Three eruptions were observed, with plumes reaching 800-1,500 meters high and gray smoke," said Yosef S. Mboro, an officer at the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Volcano Observation Post (PGA).

During the observation period, the mountain was visually clearly visible, with a haze level of 0-1. Weak-pressure crater smoke was observed, white in color, of moderate to thick intensity, rising 50-100 meters above the crater summit.

In addition, three eruption earthquakes with amplitudes of 7.4-22.2 mm and durations of 93 to 111 seconds were recorded, four gust earthquakes with amplitudes of 2.9-7.4 mm and durations of 32-50 seconds, four non-harmonic tremor earthquakes with amplitudes of 2.9 mm to 4.4 mm and durations of 67 to 79 seconds, two deep volcanic earthquakes with amplitudes of 4.4 mm, S-P: 1.1 seconds, durations of 2.4 seconds, and durations of 16-17 seconds, and two distant tectonic earthquakes with amplitudes of 7.4-10.5 mm, S-P: 12.6-58 seconds, and durations of 52-61 seconds.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki is currently at Level IV (Alert) status, and the public and visitors are advised to avoid activities within a six-kilometer radius and a seven-kilometer southwest-northeast sector of the eruption center.