JUST IN: Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, erupted explosively this morning, Friday, August 28, 2026. The eruption sent an ash column approximately 1 kilometer high into the atmosphere. This event is significant due to the volcano’s current activity level and potential hazards.
The eruption occurred at 7:35 a.m. local time. A thick ash column blew towards the southwest and west. This latest eruption is part of ongoing activity at the volcano. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) has kept Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki at Level III (Alert) status. Residents and tourists are strongly advised to stay away from the volcano.
Immediate Details of the Eruption
The eruption on August 28, 2026, produced an ash column that reached about 1,000 meters (approximately 3,280 feet) above the peak. The ash cloud drifted southwest and west. This event was recorded on seismographs with a maximum amplitude of 14.8 mm and lasted for about six minutes and four seconds. Head of the Geological Agency at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Lana Saria, confirmed these details.
The PVMBG has warned the public and tourists to avoid all activities within a 5-kilometer radius of the eruption center. Residents living near the mountain are urged to wear masks to protect their respiratory systems from volcanic ash. There is also a potential for lava floods in rivers originating from the mountain if heavy rain occurs.
Context and Background
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki is part of a volcanic complex in eastern Flores Island. It is situated alongside Mount Lewotobi Perempuan. The Laki-laki volcano has been frequently active throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. This latest eruption adds to a series of volcanic activities observed across Indonesia in 2026, highlighting the country’s position on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Indonesia has experienced 4,301 volcanic eruptions nationwide in 2026 so far, with Mount Semeru recording the most. Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki itself has recorded 778 eruptions this year, according to MAGMA Indonesia data as of August 27, 2026.
Current Situation
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki remains at Level III (Alert) status. The PVMBG is coordinating with local disaster management agencies to provide continuous updates. Residents are advised to remain calm and follow official instructions. The potential for secondary hazards, such as rain-induced lava floods, is being monitored.
Reactions
Lana Saria, head of the Geological Agency, emphasized the importance of staying calm and avoiding unverified information. She stated that the agency will continue coordinating with local authorities. The PVMBG urges the public to always follow directions from the local government and the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Observation Post.
What’s Next
The PVMBG will continue monitoring Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki’s activity. Further eruptions are possible, and residents should remain vigilant. Information regarding the volcano’s status will be updated regularly by the authorities. Potential impacts on air travel will be assessed based on ash plume height and direction.
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