Mount Lewotobi Spews Towering Ash Cloud in Major Eruption
A powerful volcanic eruption in eastern Indonesia has forced dozens of flight cancellations and triggered an emergency response, after Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located on Flores Island, unleashed a colossal ash plume reaching 10,000 meters (32,800 feet) into the sky.The eruption occurred at 5:35 PM local time on Tuesday, according to Indonesia's volcanology agency. The twin-peaked volcano, standing at 1,584 meters, sits east of the popular tourist destination of Bali.
Indonesia Elevates Disaster Alert to Highest Level
In response to the eruption, authorities raised the country’s disaster alert to the highest level on its four-tier system. The volcano’s ash column was described as “grey with thick intensity,” a sign of the eruption’s potential danger.While there were no immediate reports of casualties or property damage, authorities are warning of ongoing volcanic activity and tremors, which could signal further eruptions.
Flight Disruptions Ripple Across the Region
The eruption severely impacted air travel across the Asia-Pacific region. Virgin Australia canceled several flights between Bali and cities like Brisbane and Melbourne. Jetstar canceled four inbound flights from Australia to Bali, while Qantas stated it was monitoring the situation closely.Air New Zealand canceled two routes between Auckland and Bali, citing safety concerns over the ash cloud. Similarly, Air India, Singapore’s TigerAir, and China’s Juneyao Airlines grounded flights, according to Bali’s international airport website.
Several domestic flights by AirAsia bound for Labuan Bajo on Flores were also suspended. A representative from Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport confirmed that although the airport remains operational, cancellations depend on airline decisions and flight routes affected by volcanic ash.
Authorities Warn of Possible Secondary Hazards
Muhammad Wafid, head of Indonesia’s geology agency, urged residents and tourists to avoid entering a 7-kilometer radius around the volcano. He also warned of potential lahar floods—dangerous mudslides formed by volcanic material—especially if heavy rains occur near river areas.To protect against ash inhalation, Wafid recommended the use of face masks. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) confirmed that ash rain has been reported in several villages beyond the exclusion zone, and at least one community has been evacuated.
Recent Volcanic History and Geographic Context
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki last erupted in November, killing nine people and displacing thousands. This twin volcano system includes the slightly taller Mount Perempuan (1,703m), named after the Indonesian word for “woman.”Indonesia is highly prone to volcanic activity due to its location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for frequent earthquakes and eruptions. This latest event underscores the ongoing risks faced by communities living near active volcanoes in the region.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to remain alert and prioritize safety as volcanic activity remains unpredictable.
