05 Jan 2024 | 12:53 PM UTC
Indonesia: Increased volcanic activity ongoing at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara as of Jan. 5 /update 1
Volcanic activity continues at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, as of Jan. 5. Evacuations ongoing; airport closed.
Volcanic activity is ongoing at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in the East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, as of Jan. 5. Increased seismic activity has been reported at the volcano since Dec. 12 and two explosive eruptions occurred Dec. 23 and Jan. 1. Further explosive activity has been observed since the latter eruption. The eruptions have produced ash plumes rising to around 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) above the crater and ash fall has been reported in surrounding areas.
Officials have increased the alert level at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki from Level 2 to Level 3 Standby status (the second-highest level on a four-tier scale) and have established an exclusion zone of 3 km (1.8 miles) around the crater. Authorities have evacuated communities in the vicinity of the volcano and nearly 4,000 people have been displaced by the eruption as of Jan. 5. 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, 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.
Frans Seda Maumere Airport (MOF) has suspended operations since Jan. 1 due to the threat of volcanic ash from eruptions. 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.
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.
