Mount Ili Lewotolok Erupts Again, Sending a Thick Ash Column 700 Meters High

Mount Ili Lewotolok erupted again Monday afternoon, sending a thick gray ash column 700 meters above its summit and prompting renewed safety warnings for residents and visitors in East Nusa Tenggara.

The eruption began at 4:40 p.m. local time. The ash column reached about 2,123 meters above sea level, drifted northwest and was accompanied by a moderate booming sound. The event lasted roughly 55 seconds and recorded a maximum seismic amplitude of 40 millimeters.

The Geological Agency said the volcano remains at Level II, or Alert. It asked people, climbers and tourists not to enter or conduct activities within two kilometers of the center of volcanic activity. The restriction extends to three kilometers in the southern and southeastern sectors.

Officials also warned of possible lava falls, landslides and hot clouds in the southern, southeastern, western and northeastern sectors. Residents were advised to wear masks and protect their eyes and skin from volcanic ash, which can cause health problems including acute respiratory infections. They were also told to cover clean-water storage containers and follow updates through official government channels.

Monday's eruption followed another event at 11:43 a.m., when ash rose about 600 meters above the summit and drifted southwest and west. The volcano had also erupted Sunday night, with an ash column about 500 meters high. Local authorities and residents were urged to coordinate with the Ili Lewotolok observation post and the Geological Agency's monitoring services.

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This eruption was recorded on the seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 40 millimeters and a duration of about 55 seconds.