Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted on Wednesday, sending volcanic ash approximately 10 kilometers into the sky and prompting authorities to raise the alert level to its highest status. The eruption lasted about nine minutes and occurred just two hours after an earlier explosion that released a significant plume of ash.
According to the country’s Geological Agency, the alert was elevated due to a “significant rise in the volcano’s activities” observed since Monday. The agency’s head, Muhammad Wafid, emphasized the need for vigilance among local residents. “People living near the volcano should be aware of the potential volcanic mudflow if heavy rain occurs,” he stated, urging residents to evacuate a six- to seven-kilometer area surrounding the site.
This recent eruption marks a concerning trend for the region, as the volcano last erupted in August and had previous activity in July that disrupted flights to and from the nearby resort island of Bali. Following the latest eruptions, dozens of residents from nearby villages were evacuated. Local disaster mitigation official Avelina Manggota Hallan noted that many residents fled following the major eruption in November 2024, which tragically resulted in the deaths of ten individuals and caused extensive damage to homes.
In light of the current eruptions, the Indonesian government has temporarily closed Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport, located in Maumere, East Nusa Tenggara. The closure, announced on social media by the airport operator, will remain in effect until Thursday, impacting travel plans in the region.
Indonesia is home to over 120 active volcanoes and lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for its high seismic activity due to the convergence of multiple tectonic plates. The situation at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki serves as a reminder of the ongoing geological volatility in this part of the world, prompting continued monitoring and safety measures by authorities.
