MOUNT Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, erupted again on Tuesday afternoon, prompting Indonesian authorities to maintain the volcano's Alert Level III status and reinforce safety measures for nearby communities.
The eruption occurred at 12.42pm Central Indonesian Time (WITA), with volcanic ash observed rising approximately 300 metres above the summit.
According to Bramantya Aji Putra Mahendra, an officer at the Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Observation Post, the ash column reached an altitude of about 1,884 metres above sea level.
"The ash was gray in color, thick, and tilted west to northwest," he said.
The eruption was recorded by seismographs with a maximum amplitude of 29.6 millimetres and lasted approximately three minutes and 17 seconds.
Indonesia's Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) said the volcano remains at Level III, or Alert status, and advised residents and tourists to avoid all activities within a five-kilometre radius of the crater.
Authorities also urged the public to remain calm, follow official instructions issued by local authorities and avoid relying on unverified information.
PVMBG warned of the continued risk of rain-triggered lava floods along rivers originating from the volcano, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Communities in Dulipali, Padang Pasir, Nobo, Nurabelen, Klatanlo, Hokeng Jaya, Boru and Nawakote have been advised to remain vigilant for possible volcanic mudflows.
Residents affected by ashfall have also been urged to wear face masks or cover their noses and mouths to minimise the risk of respiratory illnesses.
The agency has requested the East Flores Regency Government to maintain close coordination with the Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Observation Post in Pululera Village, Wulanggitang District, as well as with PVMBG, to ensure timely dissemination of the latest information on volcanic activity.
PVMBG said it would continue working with the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Disaster Mitigation Agency and the East Flores Regency Disaster Mitigation Agency to monitor the volcano and coordinate public information and mitigation measures as volcanic activity continues. - August 4, 2026
