Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Erupts 44 Times in a Week

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores, Indonesia, has experienced a significant increase in volcanic activity, erupting 44 times in the past seven days. The 1,584-meter-high volcano produced ash columns reaching up to 2,000 meters above its peak during multiple eruptions on Monday, June 8, 2026.

In a less than nine-hour period on Monday, the volcano recorded six eruptions. The first eruption occurred at 02:58 WITA, with an ash column reaching 1,500 meters. Just four minutes later, another eruption sent an ash column 500 meters high. Activity intensified at 05:06 WITA, with an ash column soaring to 2,000 meters above the peak, lasting for 391 seconds.

Subsequent eruptions were recorded at 08:08, 10:40, and 11:25 WITA, with ash columns of 1,500, 1,000, and 1,000 meters respectively. The ash columns were observed as moderate to thick gray, moving west and northwest. Herman Yosef, an officer at the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Observation Post, reported eruption tremors with amplitudes ranging from 11 to 44.3 millimeters, indicating strong magma and volcanic gas pressure within the mountain.

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) has maintained the alert status for Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki at Level III (Siaga). Residents and tourists are advised to avoid activities within a 5-kilometer radius of the eruption center. PVMBG also warned of potential lahars (volcanic mudflows) in rivers originating from the mountain's peak, especially during heavy rainfall. Areas requiring heightened vigilance include Dulipali, Padang Pasir, Nobo, Nurabelen, Klatanlo, Hokeng Jaya, Boru, and Nawakote.