Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Erupts, Ash Plume Rises 8km High

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province erupted on Wednesday morning, sending a towering column of ash up to eight kilometres into the sky, authorities said.

The eruption, which began at 9.21 am local time, was accompanied by a thick grey ash plume drifting towards the north and north-west, according to the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG).

In a statement, the centre urged residents and tourists to stay away from the area, warning against any activity within six kilometres of the crater and up to seven kilometres in the south-west, north and north-east sectors.

“The eruption was accompanied by powerful rumbling sounds heard from the volcano’s observation post,” PVMBG stated, adding that the volcano remains at Level IV – the highest alert status on Indonesia’s four-tier warning system.

Communities living near the mountain have also been advised to stay alert for possible volcanic mudflows along rivers flowing from its slopes, especially in the areas of Dulipali, Padang Pasir, Nobo, Nurabelen, Klatanlo, Hokeng Jaya, Boru and Nawakote.

People affected by falling ash have been urged to wear masks to protect themselves from respiratory problems, the centre added.

Local media reported that at least 10 people were killed in November last year when the mount erupted, sending out lava and forcing the evacuation of residents from several nearby villages.

-- BERNAMA