JAKARTA. Based on visual data and seismic analysis done by the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) MEMR, commencing on January 2nd, 2012 at 11.30 p.m. WITA (Central Indonesian Standard Time), the status of Mt. Ile Lewotolo, Nusa Tenggara Timur Province increased from Advisory (Level II) to Watch (Level III).
Visual observation of Mt. Ile Lewotolo activity is continuously done in Observation Post in Laranwutun Village along December 2011. Starting on January 2nd, 2012, thick white smoke of the crater was seen between 50 – 250 meter heights above the peak, followed by dimly fire light at 8 p.m. WITA. It was also recorded continuous earthquake blowing more intensive in form of tremor blowing starting from 2 p.m. WITA, with maximum amplitude between 5 – 35 mm. Tremor earthquake blowing was still recorded between 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. WITA with maximum amplitude 10 – 40 mm.
Related to the increased status, PVMBG will increase observation intensively to evaluate the activity of Mt. Ile Lewotolo and coordinate with Local Government (Satlak PB and Satkorlak PB). The status of Mt. Ile Lewotolo activity will be decreased/increased if volcanic activity of the mountain decreased/increased.
The dangerous and threatening potency of Mt. Ile Lewotolo eruption are:
the peak avalanche, which is weathered and part of top intrusion is predicted having volume about 400.000 m3, heading to southeast;
pyroclastic avalanches heading to southeast and east from the eruption point;
incandescent material and heavy ash rain within the radius 2 km could change based on eruption intensity;
dangerous gas for living is CO2, CO, and SO2.
Citizens surrounding Mt. Ile Lewotolo and tourism/visitors may not do any activity in Disaster-Prone Areas III (KRB III) within the radius 2 km. Areas in southeast part of Mt. Ile Lewotolo activity centre such as Lamariang, Lewohala, Pukabumi, and Jontona Village of Ile Ape Timur Sub-District have to be alert if any eruption (explosion) happened anytime to be able to be evacuated to a safe place such as heading to North, West, and South towards Lewoleba City, Kalabahi Village, and Baopana Village.
Mt. Ile Lewotolo is located in Lembata District, Nusa Tenggara Timur Province. Geographically is located in position 08°16'15" SouthLat. and 123°30'18" EastLong., 1455 meter height above the sea level. The volcano has been rest for 92 years. The last explosion happened in 1920 in form of small explosion. Previously has been recorded some explosions in 1660, 1819, 1849, 1852, 1821, 1864, 1889, and 1920. (AK)
