Authorities Urge Mask Use as Ash Fall Hits East Flores, Indonesia

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) has advised residents affected by ash rain from the eruption of Gunung Lewotobi Laki‑laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, to wear masks or cover their nose and mouth to protect their respiratory systems. The volcano erupted on Sunday at 09:23 WITA, producing an ash column about 1,500 metres high that drifted west and northwest. Seismographs recorded a maximum amplitude of 29.6 mm over a duration of 1 minute 44 seconds, and the volcano remains on Level III (Alert) status.

PVMBG also instructed people, tourists and visitors to stay at least five kilometres from the eruption centre and avoid any activity within that radius. In addition, officials warned of the risk of lahar floods if heavy rain occurs, especially in river catchments such as Dulipali, Padang Pasir, Nobo, and others. Local authorities are urged to keep coordinating with the monitoring post in Pululera village and PVMBG headquarters in Bandung to track the volcano’s activity.