Inp.polri.go.id - Labuan Bajo. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued a warning about potential volcanic mud floods at Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), as the rainy season and La Niña-driven extreme weather set in.
“Volcanic mud floods are highly dangerous and can occur suddenly, as seen at Mount Marapi in West Sumatra,” BMKG Head Dwikorita Karnawati warned on Monday (18/11/2024).
She urged residents and local authorities near riverbanks and slopes to remain vigilant and avoid high-risk areas, according to antaranews.com.
Volcanic mud floods happen when volcanic materials such as ash, sand, and rocks mix with heavy rainfall. During eruptions, some materials stay on the slopes. Intense rain can trigger massive flows, Dwikorita added.
La Niña, expected to last until early 2025, is increasing rainfall across Indonesia by 20–40%, according to BMKG’s Deputy for Meteorology Guswanto.
Recent weather data shows varied conditions in NTT, with rain, thunderstorms, and localized heavy downpours recorded.
(mg/inp/pr/nm)