Speaking in Jakarta, head of the agency, Muhammad Wafid, highlighted that his side had observed at least four eruptions from 1:25 a.m. Central Indonesian Standard Time (UTC+8) on Friday until the afternoon.
He noted that as per a report received from a volcanology team of the agency in East Flores district, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki recently spewed volcanic ash between one and five kilometers high from its peak.
"The thick columns of ash were spotted moving in the north and northwest directions," he informed.
Wafid said that the volcanology team believes that airports in NTT may have to suspend operations for a long time on account of the overly intensified volcanic activities in the mountain. Moreover, these hot clouds can damage aircraft engines and pose a danger to passengers and crew.
The danger from the volcanic activities is evident from the shift in the nature of eruptions recorded in January–October this year, which have become more explosive.
The volcano was still triggering tremors until today, he added.
"These are the factors that have prompted us to prepare even more detailed recommendations for the public. This is everything we can convey for the time being," he said.
The Geological Agency raised the status of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki from III (alert) to IV (beware) following the eruptions recorded from Sunday (November 3) evening to Monday morning local time.
The eruptions, which affected at least 10,295 residents, prompted several airports in NTT to temporarily cease flights, including Frans Xavier Seda Airport in Maumere and H. Hasan Aroeboesman Airport in Ende.
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Translator: M. Riezko, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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