Indonesia raises Lewotobi Laki‑laki volcano to Level III alert

Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) upgraded the alert level for Lewotobi Laki‑laki on East Flores from Level II (Waspada) to Level III (Siaga) at 13:00 WITA on 12 May 2026. The decision followed a surge in deep volcanic earthquakes (21‑32 events per day between 1‑4 May), persistent non‑harmonic tremor (17‑27 events per day), measurable inflation, and surface activity such as rockfalls and exhalations recorded from 1‑11 May.

PVMBG defined three hazard zones: KRB III within a 4 km radius vulnerable to directed eruptions, ballistic ejecta and pyroclastic flows; KRB II covering 4‑6 km with risk of expanding flows; and KRB I extending to 9 km with exposure to lahars and ashfall. Residents, visitors and tourists were advised to avoid all activity within a 5 km radius of the summit and to wear masks if ashfall occurs. Communities downstream were warned to watch for rain‑triggered lahars. Moderate white smoke was observed rising about 200 m from the crater on 12 May.