Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in NTT Erupts, Spewing Ash 1.5 Km High

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, erupted on Sunday afternoon, sending a column of volcanic ash approximately 1.5 kilometers above its peak. The eruption, recorded at 13:20 WITA (Western Indonesian Time), lasted for 6 minutes and 4 seconds, according to the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Observation Post (PPGA). The ash column was observed to be gray and dense, drifting towards the north, west, and northwest. The volcano, standing at 1,584 meters above sea level, is currently at alert level III, known as 'siaga' (alert). Residents living within a 5-kilometer radius of the eruption's center are prohibited from engaging in any activities. Authorities also warned of potential mudflows on rivers originating from the volcano, particularly in areas like Dulipali, Padang Pasir, Nobo, Nurabelen, Klatanlo, Hokeng Jaya, Boru, and Nawakote, should heavy rainfall occur. Residents in areas affected by ashfall are advised to wear masks to prevent respiratory illnesses.