Lewoleba, E Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - The Geological Agency of the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry advised the public and tourists to steer clear of conducting activities around the top of Ile Lewotokok Volcano in East Nusa Tenggara.
"We recommend the public and visitors not to enter or carry out activities in the radius of two km from the top and three km southeast from the summit of Mount Ile Lewotolok," Head of the Ile Lewotolok Volcano Observation Post Jeffry Pugel stated here on Friday.
Pugel made the statement in response to information on foreign tourists attempting to climb to the top of the mountain on Thursday (April 25).
He emphasized that the agency's recommendation is based on the current volcano status.
The agency disseminates information on Mt. Ile Lewotolok's activity on a daily basis to the public, he remarked.
In addition, the Geological Agency has installed warning signs in disaster-prone areas as one of the disaster mitigation measures.
He underscored the need for cooperation to be carried out between all parties, both the village governments and the communities.
Hiking the mountain during the Level III status is replete with risks, so his side has shared information on the danger radius with all communities.
"I have coordinated with the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) to communicate with the village governments," he stated.
Among several mounts in East Nusa Tenggara, Mt. Ile Lewotolok is the only volcano that is at alert level III.
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Based on the evaluation conducted by the Geological Agency on April 16-22, 2024, the volcano had frequent eruptive activity and belched smoke. Its activity tended to increase as compared to the April 7-15 period.
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The agency also observed that explosive eruptions were still ongoing, and there were more frequent volcanic earthquakes.
