Indonesia: Increased volcanic activity ongoing at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara as of Jan. 24 /update 3

Volcanic activity is ongoing at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, as of Jan. 24. Increased seismic activity has been reported at the volcano since Dec. 12 and explosive eruptive activity has been ongoing since Dec. 23. The latest eruptions have led to lava flows traveling up to 3.7 km (2.3 miles) from the crater; ash clouds, rockfalls, minor earthquakes, and the dispersion of other volcanic material have also been observed during the eruptions. Ashfall continues to be reported in surrounding communities over recent days. Authorities have also reported that wildfires sparked by lava flows have burnt around 420 hectares (1,038 acres) of forest land around the volcano.

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 5 km (3.1 miles) around the crater and 6 km (3.7 miles) in the north and northeast sectors. Authorities have evacuated communities in the vicinity of the volcano and more than 6,300 people have been displaced by the eruption as of Jan. 24. Local authorities have extended the emergency status for the area through at least Jan. 31. 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.

Volcanic activity has caused temporary flight suspensions at both Frans Seda Maumere Airport (MOF) and Gewayantana Airport (LKN) in Larantuka in recent weeks; both airports are operational as of Jan. 24. 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.