Eruption of Mount Lewotobi is still ongoing, launching volcanic ash as high as 1.4 km

JAKARTA - The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) detected the eruption activity of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), which is still ongoing by throwing volcanic ash as high as 1.4 kilometers from the top.

Acting Head of the Geological Agency Lana Saria said the latest eruption of the active volcano was observed at 11.37 WITA this afternoon with a column of ash reaching about 2,984 meters above sea level.

"The observed ash column is gray with a thick intensity leaning to the west and northwest," he said, quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, July 7.

Lana explained that the visual data and seismic records from the seismogram showed that this eruption had a maximum amplitude of 47.3 millimeters, with the recorded duration of the earthquake lasting for approximately 1 minute 27 seconds.

Following the current activity level which is at Level III (Alert), the Geological Agency issued strict recommendations that people around the mountain as well as visitors and tourists should not carry out any activities within a radius of 5 kilometers from the center of the eruption.

The public is also asked to remain calm, follow the directions of the local government, and not believe issues related to volcanic activity that are unclear about the source of truth.

In addition to the threat of material eruption, the Geological Agency asked residents around the river basin to be aware of the potential for secondary hazards in the form of rain lahar floods, especially if there is heavy rain in the peak area.

The vigilance of cold lava floods is mainly emphasized for areas that are fed by rivers upstream from the peak, such as the Dulipali, Padang Pasir, Nobo, Nurabelen, Klatanlo, Hokeng Jaya, Boru, and Nawakote areas.

The Geological Agency strongly recommends the use of masks or nose and mouth covers to avoid the danger of exposure to volcanic ash on the respiratory system for residents affected by the spread of ash rain.