FLASH UPDATE #1 – Lewotobi Laki-laki Volcano Eruption
Country under monitoring: Indonesia
OVERVIEW:According to the Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG), Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted on Sunday, 3 November at 2257 HRS UTC+7. The height of the eruption column was not observed. The eruption was recorded on a seismograph with a maximum amplitude of 47.3 mm and a duration of 1,450 seconds. Based on both visual and instrumental observations, there has been a significant increase in volcanic activity. Consequently, PVMBG has elevated the alert status of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki to Alert Level IV on 3 November at 2300 HRS UTC+7. Flores Timur Government has declared an Emergency Response Status starting from 3 November until 31 December 2024.
PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS:According to the ASEAN DMRS, it is estimated that 72.2K people (18.7K households), and 162 Million USD of infrastructure (total replacement value)* are within 10 km and more likely to be adversely impacted.
IMPACTS: as of BNPB report on 4 November at 1019 HRS UTC+7 (data collection are ongoing);
- Affected areas: Kecamanta Wulanggitang and Kecamatan Ile Bura;
- A total of 10,295 persons affected;
- A total of 10 persons dead.
RESPONSE:
- BPBD Flores Timur with other relevant agencies are conducting evacuations, rapid assessments, and search and rescue operations for affected population.
- BPBD Flores Timur in coordination with relevant agencies has established 3 evacuation centres in Konga Village, Lewolaga Village, and Tietehena Village.
- BPBD Flores Timur has prepared mobile kitchens and distributed mineral water, folding mattresses, blankets, and first aid kits.
- Residents around Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki and visitors/tourists are advised not to engage in any activities within a 7 km radius of the eruption center of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki.
- Residents around Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki should be aware of the potential for lahar floods in rivers originating from the peak of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki during heavy rainfall, especially in the areas of Dulipali, Padang Pasir, and Nobo.
- BNPB EOC is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with BPBD. BNPB teams are also on their way to Flores Timur Regency to support the emergency response operations on the ground.
The AHA Centre will continue to monitor for further developments and issue necessary updates.
DATA SOURCES
ASEAN Disaster Monitoring & Response System (DMRS), ASEAN Disaster Information Network (ADINet); Pacific Disaster Center (PDC Global);
Indonesia: BNPB, PVMBG;
Verified news media agencies
