Indonesian authorities have raised the alert for Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a volcano on the eastern island of Flores, to the highest level following increased seismic activity.
The February 13 decision comes as officials widen the exclusion zone and order evacuations for six villages amid fears of an imminent eruption.
In a statement Muhammad Wafid, head of Indonesia’s geological agency, confirmed that visual and seismic data showed a sudden surge in volcanic earthquakes which can potentially lead to an eruption in the future.
As a result, officials elevated the alert level to the highest tier in Indonesia’s four-stage warning system. The exclusion zone surrounding the crater was expanded from five to six kilometers, affecting multiple communities. Wafid did not specify the exact number of residents affected but stressed that evacuations were necessary to ensure safety.
Wafid cautioned that people around Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki should be on alert for the potential of lahar floods in rivers that originate at the peak if high-intensity rain occurs.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which stands 1,703 meters tall, has erupted multiple times in recent months. In November, a series of eruptions killed nine people, forced thousands to flee, and disrupted international flights to Bali.
Indonesia frequently experiences volcanic and seismic activity due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to remain alert as the risk of an eruption looms./.
