Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggar (ANTARA) - Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, erupted three times on Friday night, sending ash plumes up to 1,200 meters above the summit, according to the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG).

The first eruption occurred at 8:12 p.m. local time, with an ash column rising about 800 meters above the summit, reaching 2,384 meters above sea level.

The ash, white to gray in color, was observed moving southwest and west. It lasted around two minutes and 24 seconds, with a maximum amplitude of 4.4 mm on the seismogram.

The second eruption, at 9:58 p.m., saw the ash plume rise 500 meters above the summit, or 2,084 meters above sea level.

The ash, also white to gray, moved in the same direction and lasted about three minutes and one second, with a maximum amplitude of 2.9 mm.

Related news: Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupts, ash rises 200 meters

The third eruption at 11:38 p.m. produced a larger plume, reaching 1,200 meters above the summit, or 2,784 meters above sea level.

The ash was gray and also moved southwest and west. It lasted approximately one minute and 43 seconds, with a maximum amplitude of 11 mm.

Currently, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki is on Level III alert. Authorities have urged the public to stay at least six kilometers from the eruption center.

Residents are warned of potential cold lava floods during heavy rains, particularly in nearby villages, such as Dulipali, Padang Pasir, Nobo, Nurabelen, Klatanlo, Hokeng Jaya, Boru, and Nawakote.

The public is also advised to wear masks to protect against respiratory hazards from volcanic ash and to follow local government guidance to avoid unverified rumors.

Related news: Sudden eruption likely on Mt Lewotobi, official warns