Indonesia: Increased volcanic activity ongoing at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara as of Feb. 7 /update 4

Volcanic activity is ongoing at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, as of Feb. 7. Increased seismic activity has been reported at the volcano since Dec. 12 and explosive eruptive activity has been ongoing since Dec. 23. At least two eruptions were reported at Lewotobi Feb. 7, producing an ash column rising around 700 meters (2,297 feet) from the crater. Recent eruptions have also led to lava flows traveling up to 3.7 km (2.3 miles) from the crater; 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 warned of volcanic mudflows around the volcano due to heavy rainfall forecast in the area in the coming days.

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 before lowering it back to Level 3 Jan. 29. Officials are maintaining an exclusion zone of 4 km (2.5 miles) around the volcano's crater, extended to 5 km (3.1 miles) in the north-northeast sector and 6 km (3.7 miles) in the northeast sector. Authorities have evacuated communities in the vicinity of the volcano and more than 5,000 people remain displaced by the eruption as of Feb. 7. Local authorities previously extended the emergency status for the area through Feb. 7; officials could extend the emergency period further given recent volcanic activity. 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 Feb. 7; however, 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.