Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Erupts Again, Spewing 18km Ash Cloud as Thousands Flee

 

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, located on Indonesia’s Flores Island, has erupted again in a dramatic sequence that sent ash clouds soaring as high as 18 kilometres into the sky on Monday. The eruption, which began at 11:05 local time, marked the volcano’s most powerful activity since November, according to Muhammad Wafid, the head of Indonesia’s geology agency. The volcano roared with thunderous force, prompting emergency authorities to expand the exclusion zone to a 7-kilometre radius. The same day, Lewotobi erupted twice once more in the evening around 19:30, launching ash and lava up to 13 kilometres high, and again at reduced intensity early Tuesday morning at 05:53. In response, authorities raised the volcano alert to its highest level. More than 24 flights to and from the nearby tourist hotspot of Bali were cancelled due to the ash cloud, though some resumed operations on Tuesday. More than 4,000 residents have been evacuated so far. Disturbing videos shared online show glowing lava erupting from the mountain as people rushed into cars and buses to flee. There are growing fears of lahar floods dangerous volcanic mudflows especially with the threat of heavy rains. Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi has erupted several times this year, but no casualties have been reported in this most recent event. Officials continue to monitor the situation, as volcanic activity remains high. Lewotobi’s previous eruption in November 2023 claimed at least 10 lives.

While thousands have been evacuated from the danger zone around Mount Lewotobi, many others remain stranded in nearby villages, facing worsening conditions. According to local officials, residents who stayed behind are struggling with severe shortages of clean water, food, and respiratory masks, which are crucial in an ash-filled environment. Paulus Sony Sang Tukan, a village leader in Pululera just 8 kilometres from the volcano warned that the ashfall has contaminated water supplies. "Water is still available, but there’s concern about its cleanliness and whether it has been contaminated, since our entire area was blanketed in thick volcanic ash during yesterday's eruptions," he said. Emergency efforts are now being focused on these remaining communities, especially as ash continues to drift toward western and northern areas. Aid agencies are working to distribute relief, but access is limited due to road closures and the risk of further eruptions. Authorities have warned that the threat of additional explosions and mudslides remains high. The volcano sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a region known for frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to tectonic plate collisions. The crisis is unfolding quickly, and responders are urging continued evacuations and safety measures. The government has also advised residents and travelers to remain alert and stay updated via official channels. Although no deaths have been reported from this current eruption, officials stress that conditions can change rapidly. Given the size and force of the blasts, as well as the proximity to populated areas and tourist destinations, the situation remains dangerous and unpredictable. International observers and volcano experts are watching closely as Lewotobi’s volcanic activity could continue in the days ahead.

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