Indonesia’s National Volcanology Agency has announced that Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located on Flores Island in eastern Indonesia, has erupted multiple times since Tuesday evening, prompting the declaration of the highest alert level.
In a statement on Wednesday, the agency said: “Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a 1,584-meter-high peak, recorded its most powerful eruption this morning, sending volcanic materials 10 kilometers above its crater. The lava rose to a height of nine kilometers above the summit during its first eruption on Tuesday evening.”
The Geological Agency has raised the volcanic alert level to 4, the highest of Indonesia’s four-tiered alert system.
Muhammad Wafid, head of the Geology Agency, advised residents and tourists to stay at least six kilometers away from the crater and to remain cautious of mudflows or volcanic debris. He also warned that “ashfall could disrupt aircraft operations and flight paths.”
Authorities have suspended operations at Maumere Airport, located 60 kilometers from the volcano and serving domestic flights.
