Mount Ili Lewotolok Erupts, Ejecting Incandescent Material Up to 300 Meters

RRI.CO.ID, Lembata - Mount Ili Lewotolok in Lembata Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), erupted in the early hours of Friday, February 27, 2026. The Geological Agency of the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry reported that incandescent material was ejected approximately 300 meters southeast of the eruption center.

Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, remarked that an ash column was observed reaching approximately 250 meters above the peak, or roughly 1,673 meters above sea level.

"The ash column appeared gray to black with moderate to thick intensity, drifting toward the east," explained Lana in a statement on Friday, February 27, 2026.

In addition to the ash cloud, volcanic activity was accompanied by the discharge of glowing material reaching a distance of 300 meters to the southeast.

The seismic event was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 21.2 millimeters and a duration of approximately 33 seconds. Despite the eruption, the status of Mount Ili Lewotolok remains at Level II or Advisory.

The Geological Agency has recommended that residents, hikers, and tourists increase their vigilance. The public is strictly prohibited from entering or conducting any activities within a 2-kilometer radius of the mountain's active center.

Authorities also urged the community to stay alert for potential hazards such as lava flows and pyroclastic clouds. This vigilance is particularly necessary in the southern, southeastern, western, and northeastern sectors of the volcano.

Furthermore, residents are advised to wear protective masks to prevent respiratory issues from volcanic ash and to protect their eyes and skin. Citizens are also encouraged to cover clean water storage containers to prevent contamination.

The local administration and the public are requested to maintain continuous coordination with the Mount Ili Lewotolok Observation Post in Laranwutun Village, Ile Ape Subdistrict. They are also encouraged to stay in contact with the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) in Bandung for the latest updates on volcanic activity. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)