The Indonesian Volcanology and Geology Disaster Mitigation Centre issued its highest aviation alert after Mount Lewotobi erupted several times on Sunday, according to Karta, May 18 ( Bernama-Xinhua ).
The most powerful explosion occurred at 14:05 native time, sending a huge dust column up to 6, 000 meters into the sky.  ,
From the caldera, solid, gray volcanic clouds protrude northwest, northeast, west, and northwest.
Officials raised the highest warning, the Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA ), to red, advising aircraft to avoid flying below 6, 000 meters near the mountain because of the risky dust.  ,
Additionally, airlines were cautioned about possible flight disruptions brought on by the ashes plume.
Officials erected a 6-kilometer hazard zone around the volcano to protect local communities, which forbids visitors and tourists from entering.  ,
People on the slopes were warned about potential lahars (volcanic mudflows ) caused by heavy rains, which may cause streams to slam atop the summits.
To reduce breathing threats from airborne allergens, residents of ash-affected regions were advised to use face masks.
One of Indonesia’s 127 effective lava is Mount Lewotobi, which measures 1,584 meters. Bernama-Xinhua