Jakarta (VNA) – Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) erupted multiple times from September 19-20, and Indonesian Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry's Geology Agency raised its alert level to the highest after the eruption.
According to Indonesia's Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), the 1,584m-high twin-peaked volcano on Flores Island launched into a series of eruptions on September 19 evening, with the largest sending volcanic material 6 km above its peak. Volcanic activities resumed on September 20 morning, with the agency recording several eruptions including one that sent an ash tower 2.5 km into the sky.
Head of Indonesia's Geology Agency Muhammad Wafid warned residents and tourists to stay at least 6 km from the volcano's crater.
Volcanic ash from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki's eruption could also disrupt airport operations and flight paths if it spreads towards the airport area and aircraft routes, he said in a statement.
Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport that serves domestic flights in Maumere (Flores) suspected its operations following the eruptions.
In July, the volcano spewed a colossal 18-km tower of ash, forcing the cancellation of 24 flights in Bali.
Lewotobi Laki-laki is paired with its twin, the 1,703m Lewotobi Perempuan volcano, which is now inactive./.
