PPG Ile Lewotolok Reminds Residents To Beware Of Cold Lava Flows

The Ile Lewotolok Volcano Observation Post in Lembata Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province reminded residents in a number of villages under the foot of the mountain to be aware of the flow of cold lava amid the high intensity of rain at the top of the mountain.

"We urge residents whose houses are right below the foot of Mount Lewotolok to be aware of the flow of cold lava from the top of the mountain," said Observation Officer of Mount Ile Lewotolok, Stanislaus Ara Kian when contacted from Kupang, Tuesday, November 18.

This was conveyed by him following the high intensity rain in the area in the last few days, especially at the top of the still active mountain.

Stanis said they had made various recommendations to convey to the public, especially under the foot of the mountain.

"There are several villages under the foot of the mountain, such as Jontana Village, Lamawolo, Lamatokan, Todonara, and several other villages," he said.

He said several villages were located not far from the river, which was formed during the Seroja disaster a few years ago.

This location, he said, has the potential to become a flow route for cold lava from the top of the mountain.

"So far there have been no reports, but we hope that the public will always be vigilant if there is rain passing at the top of the mountain," he added.

Furthermore, he said that the mountain, which is currently still Level II or Alert, is still under eruption, therefore residents are also asked to be vigilant.

One of them is to be aware of the potential danger of lava avalanches/longsoran and hot clouds in the south and southeast sectors, the western sector, and the northeastern sector of Mount Ile Lewotolok.