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Agency warns of Lewotobi lahar flow
BMKG has issued a warning about the potential for lahar flow from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
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Evacuees carry food at an evacuation site in Lewolaga village in East Flores regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Nov. 13, as Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki spews a column of ash in the background. (Antara/Aditya Pradana Putra)
T
he Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued a warning about the potential for lahar flow from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
The agency said the warning comes with the onset of the rainy season and extreme weather due to La Niña phenomenon.
Local administrations and communities living near the slopes and river flow paths are advised to avoid banks of rivers that flow from the mountain slopes.
"We urge all parties and the public to be vigilant against lahar floods that can occur at any time due to their dangerous nature," BMKG head Dwikorita Karnawati said on Monday.
Lahar flows are moving fluid masses composed of debris and water that occur when rainwater mixes with volcanic materials from a volcanic eruption. These volcanic materials can include sand, ash and rocks, which may also mix with wood or trees.
Lahar can threaten lives, engulf settlements and carry large rocks down rivers.
"During an eruption, not all materials flow down immediately; some accumulate [near the crater]. If heavy rains occur, the potential for lahar floods increases," Dwikorita said.
