The Distribution Of Abu Gunung Lewotobi Men-Laki To Sikka NTT, Operations Of Frans Seda Airport Closed

The atmosphere of Frans Seda Airport in Maumere, Sikka Regency, NTT, Sunday 2 May 2025. (ANTARA PHOTO-Gregorio J Gilbert)

JAKARTA - Flights at Frans Seda Airport, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) were temporarily closed on Friday, September 26, due to the spread of volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki in East Flores (Flotim) Regency.

"Today, September 26, 2025, flight operations at Frans Seda Airport are temporarily closed," said Head of Frans Seda Maumere Airport Partahian Pandjaitan when contacted from Labuan Bajo, Friday, in antara.

He said the temporary flight closure was carried out until Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 06.00 WITA.

There are as many as six flight routes by two airlines that were canceled this Friday, he said, explaining. The six flight routes are three arrival flights and three departure flights.

Frans Seda Airport, he continued, had examined the spread of volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki using a paper test.

"Yes, the results were negative but the final approach area was affected," he said.

Meanwhile, the Mount Lewotobi Male Volcano Observation Post (PGA) in a report on volcanic activity for the observation period Friday, September 26, 2025, at 06.00 WITA until 12.00 WITA, reported three eruptions with a height of 1000 meters and gray smoke.

Currently, Mount Lewotobi Male is at Level IV (Awas) Status. Therefore, the public and visitors are advised not to carry out any activities within a six-kilometer radius and the southwest-northeast sector of seven kilometers from the epicenter of Mount Lewotobi Laki.

Officers at PGA Gunung Lewotobi Laki also appealed to the public to be calm and follow the directions of the local government and not to believe in issues whose sources are unclear.

Furthermore, they also asked the community around Mount Lewotobi Men to be aware of the potential for rain lava flooding in rivers that originate at the top of Mount Lewotobi Men in the event of high-intensity rain, especially the areas of Dulipali Village, Padang Pasir, Nobo, Nu Selapolen, Klatanlo, Hokeng Jaya, Boru, and Nawakote.

People affected by the ash rain of Mount Lewotobi Male, he continued, are advised to wear a mask or mouth covering to avoid the danger of volcanic ash in the respiratory system.