Indonesia Increases Alert for Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki
Indonesia has raised the alert level of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki to its highest after the volcano erupted eight times over the weekend. The volcanology agency reported that the volcanic ash plumes reached heights between 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) and 5.5 kilometers on Sunday. This increase in activity prompted officials to issue a warning to nearby communities.
Located on Flores Island in eastern Indonesia, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki’s recent eruptions have exhibited a significant increase in intensity. “Our analysis showed that the activities of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki are still high so we raised the status level starting on Sunday at 08:00 p.m. (1200 GMT),” a volcanology official said in a statement.
Volcanic Activity and Safety Precautions
Images released by authorities showed thick grey ash clouds billowing from the volcano’s crater. During the eruptions, rumbling sounds ranging from low to high intensity were detected by nearby monitoring stations. Early Monday morning, the volcano erupted again, releasing ash columns about 1.2 kilometers high.
The agency has advised that a six-kilometer radius around the crater be kept clear of people. They also warned residents about the potential risk of cold lava flows if heavy rains occur, which could trigger hazardous conditions downstream.
Local Impact and Previous Eruptions
So far, there have been no evacuations or flight disruptions reported due to this latest series of eruptions, according to local government officials. However, previous eruptions have caused significant disturbances. In March, activity from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki led to the cancellation and delay of flights to Bali, affecting several airlines. Last November, a major eruption resulted in nine deaths and forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes.
Indonesia’s Volcanic Risk
Indonesia is situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for intense seismic and volcanic activity resulting from the movement of multiple tectonic plates. This geological setting makes the country prone to frequent eruptions and earthquakes.
Authorities continue to monitor Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki closely to ensure the safety of residents and travelers in the region. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
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