JAKARTA - The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) set the increase in the volcanic activity status of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), from Alert to Warning or Level III on Tuesday afternoon.
Acting Head of the Geological Agency Lana Saria said the increase in status was based on visual and instrumental analysis results which showed a significant increase in volcanic activity in recent days.
The expert team of the Geological Agency reported that during the period 1-11 May 2026, the activity of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki was dominated by shallow volcanic earthquakes reaching 21 to 32 events per day, especially on 1-4 May 2026.
According to Lana, this condition indicates the presence of a supply of magma or magma fluid that is strong enough to reach the volcanic system.
In addition, non-harmonic tremor activity was also recorded in high numbers and relatively persistent with a range of 17-27 events per day.
The Geological Agency assessed that the dominance of the tremor indicates that the fluid system in the shallow part of the volcano is still active and is in continuous movement.
Visually, surface activity began to be seen through the appearance of debris and gusts on several observation days, especially on May 2-3 and May 6, 2026. This activity shows that pressure from the inside of the mountain is beginning to affect the surface of the crater.
The Geological Agency also noted the deformation of the volcano's body based on Wolorona tiltmeter data which showed an inflation trend or an increase in pressure inside the volcano's body.
The condition shows that the magmatic system of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is in an active pressure recharge phase.
According to Lana, the current activity pattern has similarities with the early phase of increased activity before the eruption in 2024 and 2025, especially characterized by an increase in deep volcanic earthquakes followed by inflationary deformation as well as high harmonic and non-harmonic tremor.
Based on these conditions, the Geological Agency recommends that the public and tourists do not carry out activities within a radius of five kilometers from the center of the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki.
People around the river basin upstream at the peak of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki are also asked to be aware of the potential for mudslides if heavy rains occur, especially in the Nawakote, Boru, Padang Pasir, Klatanlo Dulipali, Nobo, Hokeng Jaya, and Nurabelen areas.
In addition, residents affected by the ash rain are urged to use masks to protect the respiratory tract.
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