- Gunung Lewotobi Laki-laki in NTT erupted on March 12, 2025, launching volcanic ash to a height of 2 km.
- The eruption has significant impacts on the environment and local communities, including the evacuation of residents.
- Authorities have raised the alert status and activated disaster mitigation measures to anticipate further eruptions.
Prior to the eruption, authorities had been closely monitoring Gunung Lewotobi Laki-laki due to a steady rise in seismic activity. Warning levels were elevated as experts detected increased volcanic tremors, signaling a potential eruption.
Chronology of the Eruption and Immediate Impact
Gunung Lewotobi Laki-laki in Flores Timur, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), showed increased volcanic activity on Wednesday night, March 12, 2025. According to reports from PVMBG (Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation), an eruption occurred at 21:15 WITA, with volcanic ash columns reaching heights of 1,200–2,000 meters above the summit. Data from Antara News indicated that the ash spread to the west and southwest, while Kompas Travel reported visual impacts, including lava flows extending 1.5 km.
Seismic activity at the volcano has significantly increased since early March 2025, with shallow volcanic tremors recorded 5–10 times per day. Residents within a 4 km radius of the crater have been advised to evacuate, particularly in the villages of Hebing, Lamawolo, and Riangkotek. By March 13, approximately 500 residents had been relocated to emergency shelters.
Environmental and Social Impacts
This eruption has caused several severe effects. Volcanic ash has blanketed residential areas, disrupting daily activities and causing respiratory issues. Reports from Databoks indicate that thick ash has damaged roofs and agricultural land in Lamawolo Village. Transportation has also been affected, as Wai Oti Airport in Maumere was temporarily closed due to volcanic ash posing a threat to flight safety. In response, local authorities have distributed 2,000 masks and established emergency health posts. The NTT Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) has also deployed teams for logistical distribution and air quality monitoring.
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Mitigation Efforts and Future Preparedness
PVMBG has classified Gunung Lewotobi Laki-laki at Level III (Alert) since March 10, 2025. Coordination among the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), BPBD, and the military/police has been strengthened to ensure a rapid response in case of subsequent eruptions. Several strategic measures have been implemented, including the installation of additional seismic monitoring equipment on the slopes of the volcano, the dissemination of evacuation protocols through community radio and SMS blasts, and the preparation of emergency response scenarios for larger-scale eruptions.
Volcanologist from ITB, Dr. Ahmad Basuki, emphasized that Gunung Lewotobi is a stratovolcano known for its explosive eruptions. “The community must adhere to safe distance recommendations,” he stated in an exclusive interview with ZonaEBT.
#zonaebt #EBTHeroes #Sebarterbarukan
References
- Gunung Lewotobi Laki-laki Kembali Erupsi Malam Ini (Rabu, 12 Maret 2025)
- Gunung Lewotobi Laki-laki lontarkan abu setinggi 1.200 meter
- Gunung Lewotobi Laki Laki NTT Meletus Senin Malam, Kolom Abu Capai 2 Km
Tags: Gunung Lewotobi Laki-laki, Eruption 2025, Disaster Mitigation, NTT
