Men's Lewotobi Mountain Status In East Flores Drops To Alert Level

Visual Mount Lewotobi Male, East Flores, NTT, Monday (29/1/2024). (ANTARA/HO-PVMBG)

WULANGGITANG - Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) has lowered the activity status of Mount Lewotobi Male in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), from Level IV or Alert to Level III or Alert. "Based on the results of a thorough analysis and evaluation of visual and instrumental data, Mount Lewotobi Male was lowered from Level IV (Awas) to Level III (Alert), starting January 29, 2024 at 12.00 WITA," said PVMBG Head Hendra Gunawan in an official statement received in Wulanggitang, East Flores, Antara, Monday, January 29. From visual observations and seismic observations carried out during the period from January 23 to January 29, 2024, it was recorded that male Mount Lewotobi's volcanic activity tended to decline. This is detailed from the height of the eruption column which decreased from an average of 1,500 meters above the peak to 500 meters above the peak. Then the movement of lava flows in the northeast was observed to slow down due to reduced supply of magma and has reached a sloping topographic area. Hot clouds of avalanches still occur but with an average sliding distance of one kilometer (km) and a maximum of two km from the center of the eruption. Furthermore, the earthquakes during that period were dominated by surface earthquakes that indicated magma had reached the surface and partially exited the crater. The recorded hybrid earthquake showed the growth of a low-speed lava dome. In addition, the decrease in the intensity of volcanic earthquakes in the previous period indicated a decrease in magma supply. Earthquake gusts and smoke column height also decreased, as well as low frequency earthquakes so that magma movements to the surface also fell. "The number of eruption earthquakes has decreased from 15-25 incidents every day, currently three to five incidents every day, and tremors have not been recorded since January 24, 2024," said Hendra. Due to the decline in the status of mountain activity, PVMBG provides the latest recommendations for the public regarding safe distance.

He asked the community around Mount Lewotobi Men and visitors or tourists not to carry out any activities within a four km radius of the eruption center, as well as sectoral five km in the north-east direction, and six km in the northeast sector. "The public must be calm and follow the direction of the local government and do not believe in issues whose sources are unclear," said Hendra.