Lewotobi Laki-Laki Volcano Activity Rises, Authorities Warn of Potential Major Eruption

East Flores: Volcanic activity at Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), intensified on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 10:15 a.m. local time, according to the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG).

The increase in seismic activity signals the potential for an explosive or major eruption at the volcano, located between Wulanggitang and Ile Bura districts in East Flores Regency.

Head of the Lewotobi Laki-Laki Volcano Observation Post, Herman Yosef Mboro, said the volcano’s alert level had been raised from Level III (Siaga/Alert) to Level IV (Awas/Warning).

“The volcano is experiencing a very significant increase in seismic activity. Residents are urged to keep a distance of at least 7 kilometers,” Herman said on Saturday.

Visible ash emissions, rising seismic activity

In its six-hour monitoring report from midnight until 6 a.m., PVMBG noted that the volcano was intermittently visible through clouds, with the main crater emitting thick white plumes rising 300–500 meters above the summit. Weather conditions were clear to cloudy, with weak winds blowing southwest and west. Temperatures ranged from 17–19°C.

Based on seismic data, one explosion earthquake, 11 non-harmonic tremors, two low-frequency earthquakes, five deep volcanic earthquakes, and five distant tectonic earthquakes were recorded. PVMBG urges communities around Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki as well as visitors/tourists to refrain from any activities within a 6-kilometer radius of the eruption center of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki.

Authorities warned residents and visitors not to conduct any activities within a 6-kilometer radius of the summit.

“Communities affected by volcanic ash should wear masks to protect their respiratory health,” Herman added.

Evacuation call for residents

East Flores Deputy Regent Ignas Boli Uran urged residents living on the slopes of the volcano to remain vigilant and return to evacuation shelters.

“For evacuees around Mount Lewotobi, please remain alert and always return to the shelters at night,” he said. (Fransiskus Gerardus Molo)