Mount Ili Lewotolok Erupts Again, Ash Column Height Up To 800 Meters

Ili Lewotolok Volcano NTT (PHOTO VIA ANTARA

KUPANG - The Ili Lewotolok Volcano Monitoring Post in Lembata Regency, East Nusa Tenggara reported that the volcano erupted again. The crater of the mountain emits white smoke with a column of ash height of approximately 800 meters above the peak.

Head of the Ili Lewotolok Volcano Observation Post, Stanislaus Ara Kian, said the height of the volcanic eruption material on Thursday, October 14 afternoon was quite high.

"The material eruption this afternoon is quite high. Some time ago it had reached 700 meters and this afternoon it reached around 800 meters," he said, quoted by Antara.

Stanis explained that if measured from sea level, the height of the ash column reached approximately 2,223 meters

The ash column is observed to be gray in color with thick intensity leaning towards the west. The eruption was also recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 13 mm and a duration of approximately 32 seconds.

"Currently the mountain is in a state of level III or standby status," he said.

It recommends that the people around Mount Ili Lewotolok as well as visitors, climbers, tourists do not carry out activities within a three-kilometer radius of the peak/crater of the mountain.

The community of Jontona Village should always be aware of the potential threat of avalanches of weathered material which can be accompanied by hot clouds from the southeastern part of the peak/crater of the mountain.

He also reminded residents regarding the potential dangers of volcanic ash which can cause respiratory problems (ARI) and other health problems.

Communities around Mount Ili Lewotolok are required to prepare masks covering their nose and mouth as well as other equipment to protect their eyes and skin.

The monitoring post, he said, has been on standby and monitoring to ensure that there are no bigger and higher ash jets that could harm residents around the mountain.

"We also urge all parties to maintain a conducive atmosphere on Lembata Island, not to spread false narratives and not to be provoked by rumors about the eruption of Mount Ili Lewotolok whose source is unclear," said Stanislaus.