Geological Agency Records Addition Of Ile Lewotolok's Lava Flow Distance

Visual Mount Ile Lewotolok in Lembata, NTT, Monday (20/5/2024). (ANTARA/HO-Badan Geology)

The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources stated that there was an additional lava flow distance in the western sector of Mount Ile Lewotolok in Lembata, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

"The results of the processing of air photos on May 27, 2024, it is known that the current lava flow distance in the western sector is 1,300 meters from the crater's edge, an expansion of 100 meters from the previous 1,200 meters," said Head of the Ile Lewotolok Volcano Observation Post Jeffry Pugel as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, May 28.

He explained that the expansion of the lava flow was insignificant from before.

However, things that need to be anticipated if the lava flow burns around the vegetation, then spreads to residential areas.

As a mitigation measure, his party has also coordinated with the Lembata Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), especially through updating public information regarding the evaluation of the mountain activity.

"The most important thing right now is that we can find out the distance between the lava flow and its speed, as well as the recommendations for the special danger zone for the western sector are still 3 km," he said.

Mount Ile Lewotolok is a volcano in NTT which is now at Level III or Alert.

The Geological Agency recommends that people, visitors, and climbers do not enter and do not carry out activities within a 2 km radius area from the center of mountain activity.

The public also needs to be aware of the potential threat of danger from lava avalanches or avalanches in the south, southeast, east, and west parts of the summit.

"To avoid respiratory problems caused by volcanic ash, people can use masks, mouth and nose protections, as well as other equipment to protect their eyes and skin," he said.