Mount_Lewotobi_Erupts_Again__Worsening_Air_Quality_in_Indonesia_s_East_Nusa_Tenggara

Mount Lewotobi Erupts Again, Worsening Air Quality in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara

Mount Lewotobi in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province erupted again on Wednesday, sending a towering column of ash and volcanic materials into the sky and significantly worsening air quality in the region.

The Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center reported that the eruption propelled a thick, gray plume up to three kilometers high, dispersing west and southwest of the crater. Despite the agency downgrading the Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation to an orange level—the second-highest alert—airspace below five kilometers around the volcano remains closed to aircraft.

“Continuous eruptions since November 4 have degraded air quality, causing respiratory issues among residents,” said Richard Felt, a senior official from the provincial disaster management agency. “Although the ash and volcanic materials haven’t directly reached residents and evacuees, they have significantly worsened air quality. We anticipated this and distributed face masks, recommending people to use them.”

Evacuation centers accommodating approximately 12,000 people have been supplied with essential logistics and health posts to mitigate the impacts of poor air quality. Authorities are also on high alert for potential lava floods during heavy rainfall. High-risk areas have been identified, and residents have been cautioned to avoid these zones.

Standing at 1,584 meters, Mount Lewotobi is one of Indonesia’s 127 active volcanoes, known for its periodic eruptions that impact surrounding communities.

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