The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, has taken an explosive turn. On November 18, 2024, the volcano’s crater ejected a lava bomb that reached residential areas, causing fires and damage to buildings.
To assist tourists affected by the eruption, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, along with local authorities in Labuan Bajo and Flores (BPOLBF), has established an information center. The center provides various forms of assistance, including evacuation to neighboring provinces such as Bali.
Contact Information for Assistance
• WhatsApp: +62 811-3879-4555 (08:30 – 16:40)
• 24/7 BPOLBF Office in Labuan Bajo
Tourist evacuation from the affected area is underway. For instance, the ship KM Binaiya (Labuan Bajo - Bima - Benoa) that departed from Labuan Bajo Harbor on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, arrived at Benoa Harbor in Bali early Friday morning, November 15. A total of 1,012 passengers disembarked, including 602 domestic tourists and 410 foreigners. Evacuations by bus to Java are also being organized.
Flight Disruptions
The ongoing eruption has impacted several flights. Wings Air announced the cancellation of eight domestic flights in the region on November 15 due to poor visibility caused by volcanic ash.
Temporarily Closed Airports
Passengers with canceled tickets can reschedule or request refunds according to Wings Air’s policies.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued warnings about potential lahar flows due to heavy rains and extreme weather conditions triggered by El Niño and atmospheric dynamics. Flash floods mixed with lava, volcanic ash, stones, and debris could occur at any time and pose significant danger.
El Niño, which is expected to persist until March-April 2025, is causing an increase in rainfall by 20-40% in most areas of Indonesia. Authorities have advised communities living near slopes and river basins to stay alert and prepared for emergencies.
Impact on Local Communities and Tourists
• Displacement: 12,366 people have been evacuated from the affected zone.
• Health Issues: Thousands are suffering from respiratory infections and hypertension due to air pollution caused by volcanic ash.
• Relocation Efforts: The government, through the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), plans to relocate 2,209 families from six villages within 4-5 kilometers of the volcano’s summit. Residents can choose between government-assisted relocation with new homes or independent relocation with financial support.
Travel and Tourism Updates
The National Tourism Board, Wonderful Indonesia, has issued updated travel advisories for East Nusa Tenggara. While the region is home to world-renowned destinations such as Komodo National Park, travel to these areas should only be for essential purposes.
Tourists planning trips to Labuan Bajo, Komodo National Park, or other parts of East and West Nusa Tenggara are advised to cancel or adjust their plans. Travelers near the volcano should avoid areas within 7 kilometers of the crater, as the alert level remains at IV.
Ferry schedules on both Flores and Bali have also been adjusted due to the ongoing eruption.
Recommendations for Travelers
Anyone planning to visit Indonesia should purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, or floods.
Weather and Forecast
Recent observations (as of November 16, 2024) recorded rainfall levels in Flores at 31.4-45.2 mm/day. The next 10 days are forecasted to bring mostly sunny or cloudy weather with occasional light rain. However, moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in several districts, including West Manggarai, Manggarai, East Manggarai, Ngada, Nagekeo, Ende, parts of Sikka, Alor, Kupang, and regions in Central and Western Sumba.
Extreme weather conditions, including heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds, are also predicted in other parts of Indonesia, based on BMKG’s latest monitoring.
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