Mount Ili Lewotolok Erupts Again, Residents Are Advised To Wear Masks

The eruption activity of Mount Ili Lewotolok in East Nusa Tenggara, Monday (23/10/2023). (ANTARA/HO-Badan Geology)

JAKARTA - Acting Head of the Geological Agency Muhammad Wafid appealed to residents around Mount Ili Lewotolok, Lembata Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) to use masks to avoid respiratory problems caused by volcanic ash.

"To avoid respiratory problems or other health problems caused by volcanic ash, people around Mount Ili Lewotolok can use mouth and nose protection masks as well as other equipment to protect their eyes and skin," said ANTARA, Monday, October 23.

The appeal is a follow-up to the eruption of Mount Ili Lewotolok on Monday, at 17.37 WIT.

Based on the observations of the Geological Agency, the eruption occurred with a column height of ash reaching 600 meters above the top of the mountain.

The ash column is also observed in gray with moderate to thick intensity leaning towards the west and northwest. With these conditions, currently Mount Ili Lewotolok is at level II or alert.

"This eruption was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 30.2 mm and a duration of approximately 40 seconds," he said.

In addition to being advised to wear masks, the surrounding community and visitors to Mount IliLewotolok are also prohibited from entering and doing activities within a two-kilometer radius area from the center of mountain activity.

People in three villages, namely Lamawolo, Lamatokan, and Jantona, are also advised to always be aware of the potential threat of danger from avalanches or lava avalanches and hot clouds from the eastern top of the crater of Mount Ili Lewotolok.