Mt. Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupts, triggers top-level aviation alert in Indonesia

JAKARTA, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara Province erupted on Tuesday, spewing a column of ash up to 10 km into the sky and triggering the highest aviation alert, the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center reported.

The eruption occurred at 5:35 p.m. local time, with thick gray clouds moving northward, northeastward, eastward, southeastward, southward, southwestward, and northwestward from the crater.

A Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation has been raised to red level, the highest alert, prohibiting aircraft from flying below 6,000 meters in the vicinity of the volcano. Aircraft should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.

Communities are prohibited from engaging in any activities within a radius of 7 km from the crater, and 8 km in the southwest and northeast sectors.

Residents living around the volcano are advised to be aware of the potential for rain-induced lava floods in rivers originating from the crater during periods of heavy rainfall. People in areas affected by ashfall are urged to wear masks or nose-and-mouth coverings to protect their respiratory systems from volcanic ash.

The 1,584-meter-high mountain is one of 127 active volcanoes in Indonesia. ■