Mount Ile Lewotolok Erupts 38 Times in Six Hours, Lava and Ash Spewed in East Nusa Tenggara

Intense Volcanic Activity Recorded

Mount Ile Lewotolok, a stratovolcano located on Lembata Island in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, experienced a period of heightened activity early on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The volcano erupted a total of 38 times within a six-hour window, from midnight until 6 a.m. local time. During this intense phase, molten lava was propelled 200 meters into the air, accompanied by a powerful and sustained roar.

The eruptions, each lasting between 32 and 36 seconds, also saw bright red lava fragments ejected towards the south and southeast of the summit crater. In addition to the lava, the volcano recorded 85 instances of ash emission and a single shallow volcanic earthquake.

Alert Level Maintained and Exclusion Zone Enforced

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) confirmed the series of eruptions from the volcano, which remains at Level III (Alert). Yeremias Kristianto Pugel, an official at the Ile Lewotolok Volcano Observation Post, stated that weather conditions during the activity were clear to partly cloudy, with light to moderate winds blowing eastward.

Authorities have urgently reiterated an existing prohibition on all activity within a three-kilometer radius of the volcano's active crater. This strict exclusion zone is standard for volcanoes at Alert Level III and is designed to protect against potential hazards.

Public Safety Warnings Issued

Communities and visitors in the vicinity have been warned about the potential dangers of lava collapses and hot ash clouds, particularly in the southern, southeastern, western, and northeastern sectors. Residents in downwind villages have been advised to take essential health precautions, including using masks to protect against fine volcanic ash, which can cause respiratory irritation, and covering open water supplies.

Historical Context of Volcanic Activity

Mount Ile Lewotolok, also known as Gunung Api Lewotolok, is a highly active stratovolcano with a history of significant eruptions. Its most recent eruption prior to this event was in May 2025. A notable eruption in November 2020 led to the evacuation of thousands of residents and the closure of the local airport, with ash columns reaching up to 15.24 kilometers (50,000 feet). The volcano's persistent activity underscores its volatile nature within Indonesia's famed 'Ring of Fire'.