Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, erupted on Monday (February 24) at 11:03 p.m. local time, spewing volcanic ash up to 2 kilometers above its peak.
The eruption was reported by the Lewotobi Laki-Laki Volcano Monitoring Post (PPGA). “An eruption occurred at Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, East Nusa Tenggara, on February 24, 2025, at 11:03 p.m. local time, with an observed ash column reaching approximately 2,000 meters above the peak (around 3,584 meters above sea level),” the monitoring post stated in its official report on Monday, as reported by CNN Indonesia.
According to the PPGA report, the ash column was gray with moderate intensity and drifted westward. The eruption was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 47.3 millimeters and lasted for one minute and 29 seconds.
Prior to this eruption, the monitoring post reported three earlier eruptions from 6:00 p.m. to 11:03 p.m. local time. The first occurred at 7:39 p.m., sending an ash column 700 meters high, followed by an 8:27 p.m. eruption with a 600-meter ash column. The third eruption at 8:49 p.m. spewed volcanic ash up to 800 meters above the summit.
Alert Status
The PPGA, which operates from Pulolera Village in Wulanggitang District, has placed Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on alert status, or Level III.
Authorities have urged residents and visitors to avoid any activities within a 5-kilometer radius of the eruption center. Additionally, residents in the southwest, north, and northeast sectors are advised to stay at least 6 kilometers away from the volcano.
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“People around Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, as well as visitors and tourists, are advised not to engage in any activities within a 5-kilometer radius of the eruption center and within 6 kilometers in the southwest, north, and northeast sectors,” the PPGA report stated.
Residents have also been warned of potential lahar floods in rivers originating from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki’s peak, particularly in Dulipali, Padang Pasir, Nobo, Klatanlo, Hokengjaya, Boru, and Nawakote villages, especially if heavy rainfall occurs.
Authorities have urged people to wear masks or face coverings to protect against volcanic ash inhalation and prevent respiratory issues during the eruptions.
(Raidi/Agung)
