Mount Lewotobi Male Eruption with a 800 Meter High Ash Column

JAKARTA - The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) reported that Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), had erupted again by launching ash approximately 800 meters above the peak on Friday afternoon.

Acting Head of the Geological Agency Lana Saria said the eruption was recorded at 14.18 WITA.

"There has been an eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki with an ash column height observed at around 800 meters above the peak," said Lana as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, August 7.

Lana explained that the column of volcanic ash observed was gray in color with a thick intensity that led strongly to the west and northwest from the center of the eruption.

Based on the seismogram recording, he said, the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki had a maximum amplitude of 29.6 mm with the duration of the eruption lasting for two minutes and 11 seconds.

Currently, the volcanic activity of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki is still set at Level III activity level (Alert).

The Geological Agency appeals to the public and tourists not to carry out any activities within a safe radius of five kilometers from the eruption center.

People who are around the area affected by the ash rain, continued Lana, are urged to wear masks or nose and mouth covers to prevent respiratory system disorders.

Apart from the threat of volcanic ash, he said, residents around the river flow such as Dulipali, Pasir Padang, Nobo, to Boru, were asked to be aware of the potential for secondary hazards in the form of rain lahar floods.