Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi erupts, sends ash 1.5 km high

Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in eastern Indonesia erupted on Friday evening, sending volcanic ash about 1.5 kilometers above its summit as authorities warned residents to avoid danger zones.

An officer at the volcano observation post, Herman Yosef S. Mboro, said the eruption was accompanied by a loud rumbling sound.

"An eruption occurred at 6:22 p.m. with an ash column reaching around 1,500 meters above the summit, or about 3,084 meters above sea level," he said.

Observations showed the ash column was thick, gray in color and drifting west to northwest, Herman said.

He said the eruption was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 40.7 millimeters and lasted about two minutes and 13 seconds.

The volcano remains at Level III alert status, prompting authorities to urge residents and tourists to avoid activities within a five-kilometer radius.

"The public should remain calm, follow government instructions and avoid information from unverified sources," Herman said.

Authorities also warned of possible rain-triggered lava floods in rivers flowing from the volcano, particularly affecting nearby settlements.

Residents exposed to volcanic ash were advised to wear masks or cover their nose and mouth to reduce health risks.

In late May, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency extended the volcano's emergency response period to support recovery efforts and protect residents.

"Activity at Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is still being monitored. Emergency response status has been extended until Tuesday, June 30," agency official Abdul Muhari said.

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Translator: Kornelis Kaha, Resinta Sulistiyandari

Editor: Rahmad Nasution

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