Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Eruption Threat: Villages Evacuated in Flores

Indonesia's geological agency has raised the alert level for Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, an eastern volcano on the island of Flores, to its highest tier. This decision, made early Thursday, February 13, comes in response to heightened seismic and volcanic activity. The alert level upgrade, which took effect at 3 am local time (4 am Singapore time), prompted the evacuation of six nearby villages to ensure public safety. The exclusion zone around the crater has been expanded from 5 kilometers to 6 kilometers.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is a twin-peaked volcano rising to 1,703 meters. Its name, "Laki-Laki," translates to "man" in Indonesian and is paired with a calmer volcano named after the word "woman." The archipelago nation of Indonesia frequently experiences seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire."

In November, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted several times, resulting in nine fatalities and disrupting international flights to Bali. Thousands of residents also had to evacuate during that period. Muhammad Wafid, head of Indonesia's geological agency, emphasized the importance of the current alert level, stating it was crucial to prevent potential harm.

"The results of visual monitoring and seismic activity showed… a sudden increase in volcanic earthquakes," said Muhammad Wafid.

"An eruption could potentially occur in the future," he added.

Safety remains a priority for the authorities as they closely monitor the situation. They have urged residents to stay informed and adhere to any official instructions. The evacuation order and increased alert level underscore the seriousness of the threat posed by the volcano’s possible eruption.

"People around Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki should be on alert for the potential of lahar floods in rivers that originate at Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki's peak if high-intensity rain occurs," warned Wafid.

Flores, a popular tourist destination, now faces renewed concerns as travelers and locals alike must prepare for possible disruptions. The geological agency continues to monitor the volcanic activity closely and will update the public accordingly.