PVMBG: Lewotobi Volcano Alert Level Raised to Level IV (Awas), Marapi to Level III (Siaga)

The Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) reported that the status of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, located southeast of Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province, has been raised from Level III (Alert) to Level IV (Awas/Warning).

"Continuous tremors are showing an increase in amplitude, indicating an increase in eruption energy," said PVMBG Head Hendra Gunawan, as reported by Antara on Wednesday (January 10, 2024).

Level IV is the highest volcanic alert status, indicating that an eruption could threaten settlements around the volcano.

The PVMBG urges the public not to conduct any activities within a 4-kilometer radius of the eruption center and a 5-kilometer sector expansion in the northwest to north direction.

In addition to Mount Lewotobi, the PVMBG also reported that the status of Mount Marapi in West Sumatra Province has been raised to Level III (Alert).

"Based on a comprehensive analysis and evaluation, the activity level of Mount Marapi has been raised from Level II (Caution) to Level III (Alert) as of January 9, 2024, at 6:00 PM WIB, with recommendations adjusted to the current potential/threat," said Hendra Gunawan, Head of PVMBG, Geological Agency, Ministry of ESDM, as reported by Antara on Tuesday (January 10, 2024).

Activity Levels of Other Volcanoes

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara is the only volcano in Indonesia currently at Level IV (Awas/Warning).

Furthermore, there are four active volcanoes currently at Level III (Alert), meaning they could erupt. These four volcanoes are Mount Marapi in West Sumatra, Mount Anak Krakatau in Lampung, Mount Merapi in Yogyakarta and Central Java, and Mount Semeru in East Java.

Next, there are 19 active volcanoes in Indonesia at Level II (Caution), including Mount Awu in North Sulawesi, Mount Dukono in North Maluku, and Mount Rinjani in West Nusa Tenggara.

Then, 44 active volcanoes in Indonesia are at Level I (Normal). These include Mount Agung in Bali, Mount Ciremai in West Java, and Mount Wurlali in Maluku.

In total, there are 127 active volcanoes in Indonesia (approximately 13% of the world's volcanoes). However, only 68 active volcanoes are monitored by the PVMBG.