A triple eruption in one hour at Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, a prominent volcano situated in the East Nusa Tenggara Province, recently demonstrated its volatile nature by undergoing three separate eruptions within the span of just one hour. This series of volcanic activities began at 07:32 Central Indonesian Time (WITA) and was swiftly followed by a second outburst merely 11 minutes later. The third eruption occurred at around 08:23 WITA, underscoring the unpredictability and dynamic nature of this geological feature.

Located at an elevation of 1,584 meters above sea level, the volcano’s third eruption was particularly notable. It sent ash columns soaring to a height of 700 meters above the peak, effectively reaching an overall altitude of 2,284 meters above sea level. Such significant volcanic activity has not only grabbed the attention of local authorities but also of the scientific community.

Muhammad Wafid, acting as the head of the Geological Agency, provided a detailed account of these events on Wednesday, January 17. He reported that the eruptions were characterized by hot clouds of avalanches, extending approximately 2,000 meters from the crater and spreading towards the north-northeast area of Lewotobi Laki-laki. This phenomenon illustrated the extensive impact that such eruptions can have on the surrounding environment.

In response to these developments, local authorities have raised the alert status of Mount Lewotobi to level IV, indicating a significant increase in volcanic activity and potential danger. Residents, visitors, and tourists in the vicinity have been advised to maintain a safe distance, specifically staying at least five kilometers away from the eruption’s center and extending to six kilometers in the northern and northeastern directions. This precautionary measure aims to ensure public safety and prevent any potential harm from volcanic activities.

The escalation in seismic activities around the volcano was also a subject of concern. Wafid highlighted that monitoring on January 16 revealed a substantial increase in various types of seismic events. These included 13 hot cloud avalanche earthquakes, 108 eruption earthquakes, 92 avalanche earthquakes, 172 low-frequency earthquakes, 10 harmonic tremor earthquakes, and one deep volcanic earthquake. This data indicates a heightened state of unrest beneath the volcano, warranting close observation and analysis.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki forms one of the two peaks of Mount Lewotobi, located on the southeastern segment of Flores Island. This twin-peaked volcano is distinctively known for its ‘male’ (Laki-laki) and ‘female’ (Perempuan) sides, a nomenclature reflecting local cultural perceptions of the natural world.

The recent volcanic activity, particularly the sightings of incandescent material and fire rays emanating from the peak’s center on the evening of January 9, prompted the Geological Agency to escalate the alert level to Level IV. This heightened alert is a clear signal to local communities and authorities to remain vigilant and prepared for any further volcanic activities. The situation at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki serves as a reminder of the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of volcanic landscapes, necessitating ongoing monitoring and readiness to respond to any changes.

« Back to Page

• Mount Marapi: Indonesia’s spectacle afflicted by an eruption