Hanoi (VNA) – Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province erupted on October 1, spewing a column of ash up to 5 km high and prompting the highest aviation alert, the Indonesian Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Centre (VGDMC) said.
The volcano sent thick gray ash clouds drifting to the west and northwest of the crater.
A Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation has been issued at the red level, the highest warning, banning flights below 6 km near the volcano. Airlines were also advised to anticipate possible disruptions caused by volcanic ash.
Communities on the slopes of the volcano and tourists were warned not to conduct any activities within a 6-km radius of the crater. They also cautioned of potential lava floods along rivers originating from the peak during heavy rains.
Residents in areas affected by the ash fall were advised to wear masks or cover their noses and mouths to protect against respiratory hazards.
Standing 1,584 meters tall, Lewotobi Laki-Laki is one of the 127 active volcanoes in Indonesia, a country highly prone to earthquakes and eruptions because of its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire./.
