04 Nov 2024 | 05:36 AM UTC
Indonesia: Increased volcanic activity ongoing at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara as of Nov. 4
Volcanic activity continuing at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, as of Nov. 4. Fatalities reported.
Volcanic activity is ongoing at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, as of Nov. 4. Lewotobi erupted at around 23:57 Nov. 3, producing an ash column as high as 2,000 meters (6,562 feet). Authorities have confirmed six fatalities in Klatanlo Village, Wulanggitang District. Reports indicate that the ash has burned down several houses in the vicinity; more people remain buried in the collapsed houses. The eruption has impacted more than 10,000 people in Ile Bura, Titehena, and Wulanggitang districts. 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. 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. Officials may issue evacuation orders in the coming days or weeks if the volcanic activity increases.
Volcanic activity could cause temporary flight disruptions at Frans Seda Maumere Airport (MOF) and Gewayantana Airport (LKN) in Larantuka, 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.
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.
