Geological Agency: Kelimutu Mountain Crater Landslides Due to Heavy Rainfall

KUPANG - The Geological Agency reported that one of the cliff walls of the Kelimutu Volcano crater in Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), had collapsed due to the high rainfall that occurred in the area.

"After field checks, the incident was the result of the collapse of part of the northeast cliff of Crater II. This is likely due to intensive rainfall that caused the instability of the cliff," said Head of the Geological Agency Lana Saria as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, January 12.

He said the check was carried out after a video of visitors related to the waves that occurred on the surface of Kawah II (Tiwu Koofai Nuwamuri) Kelimutu Mountain circulated.

Based on visual and instrumental observations until Monday (12/1), there was no significant increase in seismic activity, color, or crater temperature.

He explained that Mount Kelimutu is a stratovolcano with a height of 1384.5 meters above sea level (msl).

Mount Kelimutu has three kawahyaitu lakes, namely Kawah I (Tiwu Ata Polo), Kawah II (Tiwu Koofai Nuwamuri), and Kawah III (Tiwu Ata Bupu).

Currently, the mountain is at Level I or Normal. However, considering all the data, the public around Mount Kelimutu and visitors are urged to limit activities around the crater area.

Visitors or tourists are also prohibited from passing through the fence, not approaching the lake crater, not approaching the gas penetration, and not staying overnight in the crater, to avoid potential toxic gas hazards.