Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Erupts, Sending Ash 10 Kilometers into the Sky

Post by : Saif Ali Khan

Indonesia faced another natural disaster on Wednesday when Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a volcano located in East Nusa Tenggara province, erupted twice, sending thick clouds of ash high into the sky. According to the country’s volcanology agency, the eruption was powerful enough to shoot volcanic ash up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) above the mountain’s peak.

The first eruption took place early Wednesday at around 1:35 a.m. local time and lasted for nearly nine minutes. A second eruption followed later that morning at 9:21 a.m., lasting about three minutes and sending ash 8 kilometers high.

Officials said the eruptions forced them to raise the alert system to its highest level, signaling serious danger to nearby communities. The Geological Agency said that the volcano had shown “a significant increase in activity” since Monday, prompting authorities to take emergency measures.

High Alert and Evacuations

Muhammad Wafid, head of Indonesia’s Geological Agency, urged residents to stay alert. “People living near the volcano should be aware of the possible volcanic mudflow if heavy rain occurs,” he warned. He also advised people to avoid the area within six to seven kilometers around the volcano.

Dozens of residents from nearby villages were evacuated to safer locations after the eruption, according to Avelina Manggota Hallan, an official from the local disaster agency. Many people remembered the tragic eruption in November 2024, which killed ten people and destroyed thousands of homes. “Most villagers left their homes quickly this time because they did not want to take any risks,” Hallan said.

Airport Closed and Flights Affected

The eruption also disrupted air travel. The government temporarily closed Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport in Maumere, East Nusa Tenggara, until Thursday. The airport operator announced the closure on social media, saying it was a safety measure to prevent damage to aircraft from volcanic ash.

However, flights to and from Bali were not affected this time. A spokesperson from Bali’s airport said that they were closely monitoring the situation but that air traffic remained normal.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has erupted several times in recent months. In July and August this year, the volcano also spewed ash clouds, causing temporary flight disruptions across the region, including to the tourist island of Bali.

Volcano on the “Ring of Fire”

Indonesia is one of the most volcanically active countries in the world. It lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a zone where several tectonic plates meet, causing frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The country has more than 120 active volcanoes.

Volcanologists said Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is part of a twin-volcano system located on the island of Flores. Its recent eruptions show that volcanic activity in the area remains high and unpredictable.

Government Preparedness and Warnings

Local authorities have set up evacuation centers and provided emergency supplies to families forced to leave their homes. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said it is working with local governments to monitor the situation and deliver food, masks, and clean water to the affected population.

Officials also reminded people to wear masks to protect themselves from inhaling volcanic ash, which can cause breathing problems. Residents were told to stay indoors if possible until the air clears.

A Reminder of Nature’s Power

The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is a reminder of Indonesia’s constant struggle with natural disasters. From volcanic eruptions to earthquakes and floods, the country faces ongoing challenges due to its geographic location.

Experts say that while volcanic eruptions can be dangerous, early warnings and quick evacuations help save lives. The government continues to improve its monitoring systems to better predict volcanic activity and reduce disaster risks.

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