Two Volcanoes in Indonesia Erupted Today, Public Urged to be Alert
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21 January 2024 13:54 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Bandung - Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) experienced another eruption on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at around 12:49 WITA (Central Indonesian Time). The eruption was accompanied by an ash column height observed at around 700 meters above the peak or 2,284 meters above sea level.
Acting Head of the Geological Agency, Muhammad Wafid, said that the ash column was observed to be white and gray in color with thick intensity leaning towards the north and northeast. "The maximum amplitude is 47.3 millimeters and the duration is approximately 36 seconds," said Wafid in his statement, Sunday.
Mount Lewotobi is now at Level IV (Alert) status. This volcano, with a height of 1,703 meters above sea level, is currently the most active volcano in Indonesia. Mount Lewotobi has recorded 48 eruptions throughout January 2024.
Wafid appealed to the public and visitors or tourists around Mount Lewotobi not to carry out activities within a 5 kilometer radius of the eruption center. In addition, activities are prohibited within a sectoral radius of 6 kilometers to the north and northeast.
The public is also advised to stay at home if an eruption occurs and ash falls. For residents who want to do activities outside the home, it is recommended to use masks and eye protection.
"Residents must be aware of the potential for cold lava flooding in rivers that originate at the peak of Mount Lewotobi if high intensity rain occurs," said Wafid.
Apart from that, Mount Marapi in West Sumatra also erupted today at around 05:13 WIB (Western Indonesian Time). Based on seismograph recordings, the eruption had a maximum amplitude of 18.4 mm with a duration of 44 seconds.
Mount Marapi is now at Level III (Alert) with a recommendation that the public or tourists are prohibited from carrying out activities within a 4.5 km radius of the eruption center or the Verbeek Crater of Mount Marapi. The mountain with a height of 2,116 meters above sea level has erupted 23 times in January 2024.
"People who live around the valleys, streams and riverbanks that originate at the peak of Mount Marapi should always be aware of the potential threat of lava that can occur, especially during the rainy season," said Wafid.
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