Lewotobi Laki-laki Volcano Eruption, Indonesia

On 3 November 2024

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Erupts on November 3, Triggering Emergency Alert

On Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 22:57 WITA, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, one of Indonesia’s 120 active volcanoes, erupted on the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province, The eruption, lasting 24 minutes (1,450 seconds), was recorded with a massive amplitude of 47.3 mm. According to Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency, a strong eruption sent ash up to 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), affecting over 10,000 people. Smaller eruptions followed on November 5-6. In response, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) raised the volcano’s alert status to “Awas” (Level IV), indicating a high danger level.

Philippines

Impact on Affected Areas

The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which began on November 3, 2024, and continued for several days, affected the sub-districts of Wulanggitang and Ilebura, with a total population of 10,295 people across 10 villages. A 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) danger zone was established, leading to the evacuation of thousands to nearby areas. The eruption caused significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and agricultural areas in the affected regions.

Agricultural Devastation

The eruption caused significant damage to agricultural lands in the sub-districts of Wulanggitang and Ilebura, as follows:

Agricultural lands

• Ilebura: 200 hectares of food crops and horticulture were damaged including 80 hectares were severely damaged, and 120 hectares had failed harvests.
• Wulanggitang: 669 hectares were affected including 21 hectares that were moderately damaged, 248 hectares were severely damaged, and 400 hectares experienced failed harvests.

Affected Crops:

• Ilebura: 1,456.64 hectares of rice and other crops were affected, with a production loss of 3,857 tons, including 899 tons of rice from upland areas.
• Wulanggitang: 3,315 hectares were affected, with a production loss of 11,632 tons, including 3,255 tons of upland rice.

Impact on the rice product

The eruption is projected to decrease rice production in East Nusa Tenggara Province by 4,154.35 tons, or approximately 0.59% of the expected rice output for 2024, which is projected to reach 706,906.05 tons. This reduction could have long-term effects on food security and local economies, particularly for communities dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods.

Government Response and Countermeasures

• Evacuation and Emergency Relief:

o   Evacuation Centers: Three evacuation centers have been established in Konga Village, Lewolaga Village, andTietehena Village to provide temporary shelter for displaced residents. Thousands of people from the affected sub-districts of Wulanggitang and Ilebura have been relocated to these shelters.

o   Relief Supplies: Mobile kitchens have been set up, and mineral water, folding mattresses, blankets, and first aid kits are being distributed to those in need. Emergency response teams have been deployed to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents.

• Hazard Warnings and Precautionary Measures:

o   Residents and visitors around Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki are advised not to engage in any activities within a 7 km radius of the eruption center to avoid exposure to volcanic hazards.

o   Authorities have warned of the potential for lahar floods (volcanic mudflows) in rivers originating from the peak, especially during heavy rainfall. Areas at risk include Dulipali, Padang Pasir, and Nobo.

• Volcanic Monitoring and Alerts:

o   The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) raised the alert level of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki to “Awas” (Level IV), the highest danger level, to warn local authorities and residents of the ongoing volcanic threat.

o   Continuous monitoring of volcanic activity is being conducted to assess any further risks, and residents are advised to remain vigilant.

• Aid Distribution: The government, in collaboration with humanitarian organizations, is distributing food, water, medical supplies, and other necessities to those affected by the eruption.
• Foreign Aid: As of the issuance of this report, no foreign aid has been received, which underscores the importance of sustaining outreach and support initiatives. 

Source:

(1) ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council

(2) Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) and

(3) Centre for Agricultural Data and Information Systems under the Ministry of Agriculture, The Republic of Indonesia

References: 

1. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Spews Ash

2. Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano erupts, killing 10 people | Reuters

3. Flash Update: No. 01 - Lewotobi Laki-laki Volcano Eruption, Indonesia - 4 November 2024 - Indonesia | ReliefWeb

4. FLASH UPDATE: No. 01 – Lewotobi Laki-laki Volcano Eruption in Indonesia – 4 November 2024 - AHA Centre

5. https://apnews.com/article/indonesia-mount-lewotobi-lakilaki-volcano-eruptions-3a3ca22d200412ebf869fd4dd1ea2b5d

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