A high-level eruption passed off at Indonesia’s Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, at round 14:56 UTC (22:56 native time) on March 20.
In line with the Darwin VAAC, infrared satellite tv for pc research signifies volcanic ash achieving 16.2 km (53 000 toes) above sea point (a.s.l.) and transferring west. Low-level emissions as much as 6.1 km (20 000 toes) a.s.l. also are noticed transferring southeast.
Lewotobi Laki-laki Volcano Observatory’s realize for aviation (VONA) issued at 14:56 UTC stories volcanic ash achieving 9.4 km (31 000 toes) a.s.l. according to flooring observations.
In consequence, the Aviation Colour Code was once raised from Orange to Purple.
Symbol credit score: CVGHM
Indonesia’s Heart for Volcanology and Geological Danger Mitigation (PVMBG) reported that eruptive task at volcano persevered from March 12 to 18, with eruptions generating grey ash plumes emerging as much as 2.5 km (8 200 toes) above the summit and drifting northeast, north, northwest, and west.
In line with stories, 1 841 other folks had no longer returned house since evacuating in November 2024. They continue to be in shelters supplied via the federal government, condo housing, or with kinfolk.
The continued eruptive task at Lewotobi asks for strict adherence to protection measures to reduce dangers to communities and guests. Government have established an exclusion zone extending 7 km (4.3 miles) from the eruption heart, with a broader restriction within the southwest to northeast sector achieving 8 km (5 miles). Citizens and vacationers are strongly prompt to steer clear of those spaces because of the heightened risk of pyroclastic flows, ashfall, and possible explosive task.
Citizens are steered to stay calm and practice the steerage of native government. It is very important to depend on reputable data resources and steer clear of spreading or performing on unverified stories, which might purpose useless panic or incorrect information, PVMBG stated.
Heavy rainfall within the area may just mobilize lahars (volcanic mudflows), which pose an important danger to river valleys originating from Lewotobi.
Communities in Dulipali, Padang Pasir, Nobo, Klatanlo, Hokeng Jaya, Boru, and Nawakote will have to stay vigilant, in particular all the way through classes of intense rainfall, as lahars can all of a sudden inundate river channels, sporting volcanic particles and inflicting harm to infrastructure and settlements.
Ashfall from ongoing eruptions poses breathing hazards, in particular for inclined populations reminiscent of kids, the aged, and the ones with preexisting prerequisites. Citizens in affected spaces will have to use mask or different protecting coverings to scale back inhalation of excellent volcanic ash, which is able to purpose breathing inflammation and eye discomfort.
References:
1 VA ADVISORY – Lewotobi – Darwin VAAC – 15:15 UTC on March 20, 2025
2 Lewotobi Laki-laki – LVO – 14:56 UTC on March 20, 2025
3 Lewotobi – Geological Abstract – GVP – Accessed on March 20, 2025
