Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted on Tuesday, unleashing a massive ash column that soared 11 kilometers (approximately 36,000 feet) into the atmosphere. The dramatic volcanic event has led to emergency evacuations, heightened aviation warnings, and significant public safety measures across East Nusa Tenggara province.
Lewotobi, situated on Flores Island, is part of Indonesia’s chain of active volcanoes along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Known for its historical eruptions, the volcano demonstrated a significant increase in activity, catching the attention of both national and international geological agencies.
The country’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) reported that the eruption occurred in the early hours, with thick volcanic ash affecting visibility and air quality in nearby areas. Several towns and villages experienced ash fall, prompting health advisories instructing residents to wear protective masks and limit outdoor activities.
In response to the eruption, the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) based in Darwin, Australia, issued a red-level aviation warning. This indicates a serious threat to aircraft operations in the affected airspace due to the height and density of the ash plume. Airlines have been advised to reroute or delay flights to avoid the affected zones.
Local disaster response authorities confirmed that more than 1,500 residents from villages including Boru and Konga were evacuated to safer zones. Emergency shelters have been established, providing food supplies, clean water, and medical support for those displaced.
The National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) advised people to avoid any activity within a 5-kilometre radius of the volcano’s crater. Additionally, they warned of potential secondary hazards such as lahar flows, which could be triggered by rainfall mixing with volcanic debris.
Geologists monitoring the situation noted that seismic readings and volcanic gas emissions had shown signs of instability in recent weeks. However, the intensity of this particular eruption exceeded earlier forecasts. Continuous monitoring is underway to detect any signs of further eruptions or volcanic tremors.
