Mount Lewotobi Erupts, Residents Urged to Avoid Danger Zone

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Authorities have issued a high-alert exclusion zone following a fresh eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Wednesday morning, March 3, 2026. The Geological Agency has officially restricted all activities within a 4-kilometer radius of the eruption center to ensure public safety as the volcano's activity intensifies.

The eruption, which occurred at 8:39 a.m. local time on Wednesday, sent a thick column of grey ash approximately 800 meters into the sky. Lana Saria, Head of the Geological Agency, confirmed the event in a statement from Jakarta, noting that the ash cloud reached a total altitude of roughly 2,384 meters above sea level.

"The eruption occurred at 8:39 a.m. local time," remarked Lana Saria, as quoted by Antara.

She added that the ash column showed moderate intensity and was observed drifting toward the north and northeast. Instrumental data recorded the seismic activity with a maximum amplitude of 11 mm and a duration of approximately 47 seconds. Despite this latest burst of activity, the Geological Agency has maintained the volcano's status at Level II or Caution.

Under this status, the agency explicitly recommends that residents, visitors, and tourists refrain from any movement or presence within the designated 4-kilometer danger zone.

Beyond the immediate threat of eruption, officials are also warning of secondary hazards. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant for potential cold lava flows in rivers originating at the mountain's peak, particularly if heavy rainfall occurs.

This warning is specifically directed at several high-risk areas, including Dulipali, Padang Pasir, Nobo, Nurabelen, Klatanlo, Hokeng Jaya, Boru, and Nawakote.

To mitigate health risks from falling volcanic ash, the Geological Agency has advised affected residents to wear masks or protective coverings for their nose and mouth. Meanwhile, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) continues to coordinate closely with the East Nusa Tenggara Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) and local stakeholders.

Authorities are calling for the public to remain calm, follow official directives, and disregard unverified information while the local administration provides real-time updates on the situation. ***