Indonesia's Mt. Lewotobi erupts, safety advisory issued

Jakarta: Mount Lewotobi in Indonesia s East Nusa Tenggara province erupted on Friday, prompting the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Cen...

Jakarta: Mount Lewotobi in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province erupted on Friday, prompting the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center to issue an aviation warning and a safety advisory.

The eruption sent a column of ash up to 3,500 meters into the sky, with thick grey-to-black clouds drifting westward and northwestward from the crater.

To mitigate risks to aviation from volcanic materials, a volcano observatory notice for aviation was issued at the orange level, the second-highest alert, prohibiting aircraft from flying below 5 km near the volcano. Pilots were also cautioned about ash clouds, which can disrupt flights.

A safety advisory was issued to address potential risks to nearby communities, visitors, and tourists. People on the volcano's slopes were warned against engaging in any activities within a 6 km radius of the crater.

Those living near rivers originating from Mount Lewotobi's peak were alerted to the possibility of lava floods during heavy rainfall.