The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) reported that eruptive activity intensified at Lewotobi Laki-laki during 30 October-5 November, which included a major eruption resulting in fatalities. The large explosive eruption began at 2357 on 3 November, generating pyroclastic flows that traveled down the flanks in all directions, ejecting ballistic projectiles, and forming a large vent within the summit crater. Seismic data indicated that the explosion lasted about 24 minutes, until 0021 on 4 November. Darkness prevented direct ash plume observations, but the Darwin VAAC issued an aviation advisory for ash to 12 km altitude (10.3 km above the summit) based on infrared data from the HIMAWARI-9 satellite. Within 3 minutes of the eruption onset, at 0000 on 4 November, the Alert Level was raised to Level 4 (the highest on a four-level scale), the Aviation Color Code was elevated from Orange to Red (the highest on a four-color scale), and the hazard exclusion zone was expanded to a 7-km radius around both the Laki-laki and Perempuan craters.
The BNPB Operations Control Center (Pusdalops) reported at 0745 on 5 November that nine people had died as a result of the eruption, another person was in critical condition, and 63 has serious or minor injuries. At least six of those who died came from Klatanlo Village, 3 km NW of the summit. As many as 10,295 people, or 2,734 families, were evacuated to unaffected areas 15-20 km from the volcano. Many areas were covered in ash, incandescent ejecta started fires in residential areas, and homes were damaged within a 7-km radius. There were six villages affected in Wulanggitang District (Pululera, Nawokote, Hokeng Jaya, Klatanlo, Boru, and Boru Kedang), four villages in the Ile Bura District (Dulipali, Nobo, Nurabelen, and Riang Rita), and four villages in the Titehena District (Konga, Kobasoma, Bokang Wolomatang, and Watowara). Multiple impact craters from ballistic ejecta were discovered, with the furthest reported at 7 km; one at an unreported location measured approximately 13 m wide and 3 m deep.
Ash from the eruptions disrupted airspace navigation around Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport, Soa Airport, Haji Hasan Aroeboesman Airport, Frans Sales Lega Airport, Komodo International Airport, Gewayantana Airport, Wunopito Airport, and Kabir Airport, which led to the cancellation of several flights. By 1600 on 4 November, all airports resumed flights, except for Komodo International Airport, which remained closed until 0630 on 5 November.
Explosions continued on 4 November, with five events producing ash plumes that reached at least 300 m above the summit and incandescent material visible in nighttime webcam images. A total of three explosions were recorded on 5 November, which produced ash plumes that rose to 1 km above the summit.
Prior to the major 3-4 November events, eight explosions recorded during 30-31 October produced ash plumes that reached approximately 1 km above the summit. On 1 November, PVMBG reported a significant increase in the number of deep volcanic earthquakes, and another eight explosions generated ash plumes that reached approximately 2 km above the summit. Explosive activity continued to increase, with Strombolian explosions at 0250 and 0420 generating eruption columns that reached 1.5-2 km above the summit; lightning was observed within the eruption columns. No explosions were recorded between 2359 on 1 November and 2357 on 3 November, although seismicity remained elevated.
Sources:
Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM),
Antara News,
Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC),
Badan Nacional Penanggulangan Bencana (BNPB),
Radio Republik Indonesia
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