Indonesia: Increased volcanic activity ongoing at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara as of Jan. 10 /update 2

Volcanic activity is ongoing at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, as of Jan. 10. Increased seismic activity has been reported at the volcano since Dec. 12 and explosive eruptive activity has been ongoing since Dec. 23. The latest eruption occurred early Jan. 10 and produced ash plumes rising to around 2 km (1.2 miles) above the crater; ash fall has been reported in surrounding communities over recent days. Frequent dense ash emissions at the volcano have been accompanied by lava flows from the crater.

Officials increased the alert level at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki from Level 3 to Level 4 status (the highest level on a four-tier scale) Jan. 9 and have extended the exclusion zone around the volcano to 4 km (2.5 miles) around the crater and 5 km (3 miles) in the northwest sector. Authorities have evacuated communities in the vicinity of the volcano and around 5,000 people have been displaced by the eruption as of Jan. 10. Local authorities have also declared an emergency status for the area through at least Jan. 14. Residents have been advised to be vigilant for potential pyroclastic flows, lava flows, lahars, and landslides along rivers and valleys on the flanks of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki. Officials may issue further evacuation orders in the coming days or weeks if the volcanic activity increases.

Frans Seda Maumere Airport (MOF) suspended operations Jan. 1 due to the threat of volcanic ash from eruptions and briefly reopened Jan. 5 before closing again until Jan. 9; flights are operating as of Jan. 10. Flights at Gewayantana Airport (LKN) in Larantuka have been suspended Jan. 10 after a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued due to the threat of volcanic ash; it is not confirmed when operations are likely to resume. Further temporary closures of airports in the region are likely over the coming days depending on activity levels at Lewotobi Laki-laki and prevailing wind directions. 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.