13 Nov 2024 | 05:13 AM UTC
Indonesia: Increased volcanic activity at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki displaces thousands, shuts airports in East Nusa Tenggara as of Nov. 13 /update 3
Evacuations and flight disruptions ongoing amid eruptive activity at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, as of Nov. 13
Evacuations and flight disruptions are ongoing across parts of Flores Island following eruptive activity at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, as of Nov. 13. A significant eruption occurred at Lewotobi at around 23:57 Nov. 3, producing an ash column as high as 2,000 meters (6,562 feet). Authorities have confirmed 10 fatalities in Klatanlo Village, Wulanggitang District; the eruption also resulted in at least 63 injuries and damaged around 2,384 houses and 25 schools. Dozens of further eruptions have occurred at the volcano Nov. 4-13; reports indicate ashfall in surrounding communities. Authorities have evacuated around 15,000 people from communities near the volcano. The East Flores Regency government has extended the emergency alert status for the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki disaster through Dec. 31.
Officials increased the alert level at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki from Level 3 to 4 (the highest level on a four-tier scale) Nov. 4. Crews are maintaining an exclusion zone of 7 km (4 miles) around the volcano's crater but have extended the impact areas in the northwest to southwest sectors to 9 km (6 miles). Authorities have advised residents to be vigilant for potential pyroclastic flows, lava flows, lahars, and landslides along rivers and valleys on the flanks of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki. If continued eruptive episodes occur, officials may issue further evacuation orders in the coming days or weeks.
Four regional airports on Flores Island closed Nov. 4 due to the eruptive activity at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki: Frans Seda Maumere Airport (MOF) in Sikka Regency, Gewayantana Airport (LKN) in Larantuka in East Flores Regency, H. Hasan Aroeboesman Airport (ENE) in Ende Regency, and Bajawa Soa Airport (BJW) in Ngada Regency. Komodo International Airport in Labuan Bajo also closed Nov. 10 due to volcanic ash from Lewotobi Laki-laki. Virgin Australia (VA) canceled flights at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) Nov. 12-13, while Jetstar Airways (JQ) canceled all flights through at least noon Nov. 14 due to safety concerns; other flight delays and cancellations have also occurred at the airport. Further flight disruptions are likely in the region over the coming days, depending on the 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.
Abide by restrictions imposed by officials near the volcano. 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.
