The Status Of Mount Lewotobi Is Still On Standby, Residents Are Asked To Stay 3 Km Away From The Peak

Visual eruption of Mount Lewotobi Male in East Flores, NTT, Wednesday (31/7/2024). (ANTARA/HO-PVMBG)

The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) appealed to residents around Mount Lewotobi Laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) not to enter the recommended hazard radius amid the volcanic eruption.

"The public or visitors are advised not to carry out any activities within a three km radius of the eruption center of Mount Lewotobi, Men and Women," said Observation Post observer of the Lewotobi Volcano, Male Emanuel Rofinus Bere when contacted from Kupang, Wednesday, July 31., confiscated by Antara.

The appeal was confirmed considering the level of activity of Mount Lewotobi Male who is still at Level III or Alert.

At this level of activity, the volcano, which is located in the administrative area of Wulanggitang District, still often experiences eruptions (uplets) in the last few days.

According to a report by the Lewotobi Laki Volcano Observation Post, the mountain was recorded to have experienced three eruptions from 13.28 WITA to 17.49 WITA.

The eruption spewed volcanic ash with the spread leaning towards the west and southwest.

Given the frequent eruption activity, Emanuel reminded residents to stay away from the set hazard radius.

Residents were also advised to use masks to avoid the dangers of volcanic ash.

Similar recommendations also apply to the distance of four km of the North-North-North sector and five km in the Northeast sector from the eruption center.

"Please do not carry out any activities within that radius, but remain calm," said Emanuel.

Head of Emergency and Logistics Division of BPBD East Flores Regency Avelina Hallan said various efforts were made as emergency response measures, including distributing basic food and mineral water assistance to residents affected by the eruption.

Avelina mengatakan semua pihak yang terlibat dalam penanganan bencana rupsi telah siap siaga apabila tingkat aktivitas gunung naik ke Level IV atau Awas sehingga diperlukan evakuasi warga.

Not only that, the evacuation and logistics locations have also been prepared to anticipate the incident.

"We continue to coordinate for the handling of this eruption disaster," said Avelina.