PVMBG Reminds Residents To Be Alert To Volcanic Activities Of Mount Lewotobi

Visual Mount Lewotobi Male in Wulanggitang District, East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Tuesday (16/1/2024). (ANTARA/Fransiska Mariana Nuka)

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) reminded the people of East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) to be aware of the volcanic activity of Mount Lewotobi Laki in Wulanggitang District which was observed to be quite high.

"Currently, PVMBG recommends a radius of four kilometers not to enter the area, as well as a sectoral five kilometers on the northwest-north side of the northeast," said PVMBG Intermediate Investigator Sofyan Primulyana in Wulanggitang, East Flores Regency, as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, January 16.

He explained that the volcanic activity from Mount Lewotobi Male was still quite high, indicated by lava avalanches, Hot Falls Clouds (APG), and lava flows in the northeast which were still intensive.

In terms of seismicity, PVMBG also monitors high activity that indicates that magma supply is still happening.

Sofyan explained that APG is currently heading north-northeast with a maximum range of 1.5 kilometers.

What the public needs to watch out for, according to Sofyan, is the dynamics of the mountain activity. For this reason, PVMBG continues to monitor the development of the APG incident.

"Is it getting further away, the intensity is getting higher or less, we will continue to monitor it. Likewise, the lava flow continues to advance in the northeastern sector from Lewotobi, we continue to monitor its development," said Sofyan.

In the report on the activity of Mount Lewotobi Male for the period Monday (15/1/2024) from 00.00 to 24.00 WITA, there were 13 eruptions with a height of 500 to 700 meters and a color of white and gray smoke.

In addition, seven APGs were observed with a sliding distance of 1,000 to 1,500 meters to the north. Incandescent lava avalanches were also observed to the northeast with a sliding distance of approximately 2,000 meters.

"It is hoped that the public will follow the recommendations from PVMBG, including not entering the recommended radius and if there is ash rain, it is recommended to avoid or use masks," said Sofyan.