JAKARTA, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- Mount Lewotobi, located in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province, erupted on Saturday, prompting the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center to issue an aviation warning.
The eruption released a column of ash that reached heights of up to 2,000 meters, with thick gray ash dispersed to the north and northeast of the volcano. An orange-level Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation, which is the second-highest flight warning, was issued, prohibiting flights within a 5 km altitude around the volcano. Aircraft were advised to be cautious of ash clouds that may disrupt flight operations.
Situated in East Flores regency, Mount Lewotobi was currently on the highest alert level, with a designated danger zone extending 5 km around the volcano and up to 6 km in the southwest and northeast of the crater.
"We have banned residents from conducting any activities in the dangerous zones," Richard Felt, a senior analyst at the provincial disaster management and mitigation agency, told Xinhua.
"We are closely monitoring each eruption and its impact on air quality. If air quality deteriorates, we recommend that people wear face masks," Felt added.
Standing at 1,584 meters tall, Mount Lewotobi is one of 127 active volcanoes in Indonesia. The country, located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, frequently experiences volcanic activity. ■