Men's Mount Lewotobi Hazard Recommendation Zone Expanded

Visual eruption of Mount Lewotobi Male on Saturday (9/11) at 08.50 WITA (doc BNPB)

JAKARTA - The Center for Volcanology for Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) is expanding the recommended danger zone of Mount Lewotobi Laki due to increased volcanic activity. This zone is now being extended from a radius of 8 kilometers to 9 kilometers to the northwest and is effective from last Saturday

"People are advised to avoid areas within a radius of 7 kilometers from the peak of the eruption and a radius of 9 kilometers in the sector that has been mentioned," said Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center Abdul Muhari in a press release, Sunday, November 10.

PVMBG records show a significant series of eruptions over the past two days, with an eruption column reaching 5,000 to 9,000 meters and hot clouds sliding up to 3,000 meters to the northeast on Friday morning.

The largest eruption of Mount Lewotobi Male occurred on Saturday (9/11/2024) at 04.47 WITA, with a column of ash reaching 9,000 meters and hot clouds to the northwest.

Additional Refugee Posts Seeing the wider coverage of the hazard zone radius, BNPB immediately opened additional evacuation points. One of the new places that began to accommodate refugees was the Eputobi Elementary School in Titehena District. Since Friday afternoon, around 1,049 residents from seven villages have fled to safe locations in East Flores.

BNPB Emergency Resources Support Director Agus Riyanto reported that BNPB together with related parties had provided additional tents, mattresses, blankets, cleaning equipment, food, drinks, and medical personnel at the evacuation site.

"The sanitation facility is also supported by local villagers who provide bathrooms, while BNPB seeks to install portable toilets and water reservoirs to meet clean water needs," said Agus.

Assistance from various parties has begun to arrive, including logistics, medical personnel, and psychosocial support. Psychosocial services are provided to refugees from the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki, especially children, through singing and playing together. Public kitchen assistance is also supported by local residents and volunteers who help distribute food.