Intense explosions at Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano, Indonesia
Intense explosions at the Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano in Flores, Indonesia, on October 31, 2024, have generated ash plumes up to 2.5 km (1.5 miles) above sea level, impacting nearby communities. This series of eruptions began in late October 2024, with regular blasts occurring 3 to 4 times daily. The activity has continued since June 13, when the Alert Level was raised to Level 3 (Siaga).
Eruption at Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano on October 31, 2024. Image credit: MAGMA Indonesia
Intense explosions are taking at Indonesia’s Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano, one of the two stratovolcanoes that constitute the Lewotobi edifice in eastern Flores, Indonesia.Â
At around 09:47 LT on October 31, a vigorous explosion from the summit crater’s vent generated an ash plume rising to approximately 1 km (3 280 feet) above the crater. This is about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) above sea level.
The ash column was observed to be gray in color with a thick intensity, drifting southwest and falling in adjacent settlements.
Near-frequent, larger, Vulcanian-sized explosions occur at the volcano at roughly regular intervals of 3 to 4 times per day.Â
PVMBG reported that from October 23 to 29, daily gray ash plumes, sometimes dense, rose 500 to 1 000 m (1 640 to 3 280 feet) above the summit, drifting southwest, West, and Northwest.
The Alert Level has remained at Level 3 (Siaga) since June 13, with authorities urging residents to stay outside the exclusion zone, defined as a 3 km (1.8 miles) radius around both Laki-laki and Perempuan craters.
The surrounding area has around 59 084 individuals within a 10 km (6.2 miles) radius and up to 906 184 within 100 kilometers (62 miles), showing the potential impact of volcanic activity on a large number of people.
The eruptions are characterized by strong volcanic blasts that produce ash clouds and pyroclastic flows.
The Lewotobi edifice has a long history of activity; the conical Laki-laki to the NW has been frequently active during the 19th and 20th centuries, while the taller and broader Perempuan has observed eruptions in 1921 and 1935.Â
Small lava domes formed in both summit craters during the 20th century, open to the north. A prominent cone, Iliwokar, is also located on the eastern flank of Perempuan.Â
As the situation develops, officials and scientists remain vigilant, ensuring that residents are informed and prepared for necessary actions as Lewotobi Lakilaki continues exhibiting signs of volcanic unrest.
References:
1 Gunung Api Lewotobi Laki-laki – MAGMA Indonesia – October 31, 2024
2 Global Volcanism Program, 2024. Report on Lewotobi (Indonesia) (Sennert, S, ed.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 23 October-29 October 2024. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.
3 Lewotobi Geological Summary – GVP – Accessed October 31, 2024
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