Indonesian Volcano
Volcano Eruption in Eastern Indonesia
A powerful eruption occurred at Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a twin-peaked volcano standing 1,584 meters tall on Flores Island, a popular tourist destination in eastern Indonesia. The eruption began at 5:35 pm local time, according to the country’s volcanology agency.
Massive Ash Column and Increased Alert Level
The agency reported that the eruption produced an ash column reaching approximately 10,000 meters above the volcano’s summit. The ash was described as thick and gray. Due to the eruption’s severity, officials raised the volcano’s alert status to the highest level, cautioning about the possibility of lava flows if heavy rains follow.
Impact and Safety Warnings
So far, there have been no reports of casualties or damage, and it remains unclear whether air travel has been affected. However, images from the scene showed an orange, mushroom-shaped ash cloud enveloping a nearby village.
Muhammad Wafid, head of the geology agency, advised residents and visitors to stay at least seven kilometers away from the volcano’s crater. He also warned of dangerous lahars—mudflows made of volcanic debris—that could occur if heavy rainfall happens, especially near rivers. Wafid recommended wearing face masks to minimize inhalation of volcanic ash.
Recent Eruption History
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has had several recent eruptions. In November, multiple eruptions caused nine fatalities, forced mass evacuations, and led to widespread flight cancellations to nearby Bali. Earlier in March, the volcano sent ash clouds soaring over five miles into the sky. Videos circulated on social media showed locals escaping falling lava and volcanic rocks, with some suffering injuries from the hot volcanic dust.
Flight Disruptions and Local Precautions
The eruption resulted in cancellations of flights between Australia and Bali, with delays also affecting other domestic and international flights to the island. Authorities urged residents to remain alert for heavy rain that could trigger hazardous lava flows in rivers originating from the volcano.
About Mount Lewotobi and Indonesia’s Volcanic Activity
The name Laki-Laki means “man” in Indonesian, and the volcano is paired with a taller but quieter peak nearby called Perempuan, meaning “woman.” Indonesia lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making it prone to frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes due to intense seismic activity.
