September 9, 2025 | 08:04 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Head of Indonesia's Geological Agency, Muhammad Wafid, stated that there were two tornado earthquakes at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki on September 7 to 8, 2025. Tornillo earthquakes are volcanic tremors caused by the movement of fluid—magma or gas—that fills shallow cracks, causing vibrations.
"Tornillo earthquakes indicate fluid movement in narrow gaps within conduits, as well as high pressure trapped within the volcanic system," Wafid said in a statement on Monday, September 8, 2025.
According to him, tornado earthquakes are rare due to their unique nature, which only occurs in shallow fault zone fractures. Tornillo earthquakes occurred during the early eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
"Tornillo earthquakes are often considered an important signal that can indicate a volcanic system is under pressure and potentially erupting," Wafid said. However, he noted that this signal is not always followed by an eruption.
On September 7-8, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki experienced 10 avalanche earthquakes, 14 eruption earthquakes, three harmonic tremors, 16 non-harmonic tremors, two tornadoes, and 14 low-frequency earthquakes. There were also 25 deep volcanic earthquakes, three local tectonic earthquakes, and eight distant tectonic earthquakes.
Expanding the observation area over the past week, low-frequency and volcanic earthquakes at the mountain have increased significantly. This indicates that the magmatic system is still unstable, resulting in ongoing gas and magma supply. "We need to be vigilant for a sudden increase in these earthquakes," said Wafid.
Eruption-Prone Zone
Observations by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) team at the Geological Agency also found smoke in the northwest fissure of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, indicating a weak zone that could become an eruption funnel at any time.
Deformation monitoring using a tiltmeter over the past week has shown an inflationary trend. This indicates pressure from the conduit, a vertical channel connecting the magma chamber to the crater, causing the 1,584-meter-high mountain to bulge.
This pressure decreased significantly on Monday, September 8, 2025. This indication, Wafid said, could point to two possibilities. First, the magma system may be starting to stabilize. Second, the volcano is temporarily releasing pressure from within the conduit.
In conclusion, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki's volcanic activity remains high. The Geological Agency maintains its alert status, or Level IV. "The public and tourists are advised to avoid activities within a 6-kilometer radius in the northwest sector and 7 kilometers northeast of the eruption center," Wafid said.
Editor’s Choice: Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Status Rises to Highest Alert
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Volcanic Activity Surges, Mount Semeru Observes 8 Eruptions Today
18 jam lalu
The frequency of Mount Semeru's eruptions has increased significantly in the past week.
Micro-Earthquake Shakes Ciater Area in Subang, Indonesia
23 jam lalu
The micro-earthquake also occurred in Konawe, South Konawe, and Kendari more strongly today. Check out the data from BMKG.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Status Rises to Highest Alert
2 hari lalu
Despite the heightened seismic activity, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has not erupted in the past week.
Afghanistan Earthquake Death Toll Tops 2,200
4 hari lalu
Taliban authorities report the death toll has climbed as rescue teams struggle to reach isolated areas after an earthquake struck Afghanistan.
Mount Ili Lewotolok Erupts; Public Advised to Be Aware of Lava Flows
5 hari lalu
Mount Ili Lewotolok in Lembata Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, erupted on Wednesday evening, September 3, 2025
4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Parigi, Central Sulawesi, Felt as Far as Poso
5 hari lalu
The coastal area of North Parigi Moutong in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, was struck by a tectonic earthquake with a magnitude of 4.8
Afghanistan Earthquake Kills at Least 1,400; Many Remain Under Rubble
6 hari lalu
The number of casualties from the powerful earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday night has increased to 1,411 people
Surge in Earthquakes Hits West Java, Strongest at M4.7 in Karawang
7 hari lalu
Referring to BMKG data, the number of earthquakes in West Java has drastically increased, from 71 times in July 2025 to 105 times throughout last month.
M4.7 Earthquake Rattles Indonesia's Lampung, BMKG: No Tsunami Threats
11 hari lalu
This medium-depth earthquake is likely the result of plate rock deformation with oblique thrust movement.
Indonesia's Mount Semeru Records 36 Eruptions in 7 Days
14 hari lalu
On August 25, Mount Semeru erupted four times. The first eruption occurred at 06:00 AM WIB, sending an ash column some 700 meters above the crater.
