02 Jan 2024 | 12:28 PM UTC
Indonesia: Increased volcanic activity reported at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara as of Jan. 1
Volcanic activity at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, prompts evacuations as of Jan. 1.
Increased volcanic activity at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in the East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, prompted evacuations in the area after it erupted Jan. 1. The eruption produced ash plumes as high as 300 meters (328 yards). Authorities increased the alert level from a Level 2 to a Level 3 (Standby) alert (the second-highest level on a four-tier scale), and have established an exclusion zone of 3 km (1.8 miles) around the crater. At least 2,200 people were evacuated from the area. Residents should be vigilant for potential pyroclastic flows, lava flows, and landslides along rivers and valleys on the flanks of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki with a sliding distance of up to 4 km (2.5 miles) to the north, northwest, south, and southwest of the crater. Officials may issue further evacuation orders in the coming days or weeks if the volcanic activity increases.
Flight suspensions are in effect at Frans Seda Maumere Airport (MOF) from Jan. 1. Authorities may impose ground travel restrictions along roads in affected areas, as the ash could reduce visibility and make streets slippery. Localized ground traffic disruptions are possible.
Volcanic activity may impact air quality in the areas of East Nusa Tenggara Province surrounding Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki. Air quality could become a concern, particularly in areas near the crater, following an explosive event. Individuals in the region - especially those with underlying pulmonary conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung cancers - may experience difficulty breathing and could suffer from lower tolerance to physical exertion.
The volcano is approximately 200 km (124 miles) north-northeast of Kupang.
In the event of further eruptions, contact airlines for updated flight information; confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport. Try to avoid areas with heavy ash accumulations. If operating in areas affected by the ash cloud, consider remaining indoors in air-conditioned facilities when possible. Those who must be outdoors should use facemasks and observe other precautions to avoid ash inhalation. Drive defensively; seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas close to the volcano. Heed all official orders.
