Indonesia: Mount Lewotobi erupts again, spewing massive ash cloud

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki has erupted once more, hurling a massive ash cloud 18 kilometers (11 miles) into the atmosphere and sending thousands of residents fleeing from their homes on Indonesia’s Flores Island.

The dramatic explosion on Monday morning marked the most powerful activity from the volcano since November, prompting authorities to raise the alert status to its highest level.

According to Indonesia’s Geological Agency, the eruption began at 11:05 local time (03:05 GMT) and was accompanied by thick columns of hot ash, lava flows, and rumbling seismic activity. Geology agency chief Muhammad Wafid confirmed that the ash column was the tallest seen in recent months and signaled a significant escalation in volcanic activity.

Though there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities, emergency services have begun evacuating communities living near the volcano’s danger zone.

Authorities have also urged people to stay at least four kilometers away from the crater, warning of potential pyroclastic flows and continued eruptions in the coming days.

The renewed eruption — the second major one in three weeks — has disrupted air travel in the region. At least 24 flights to and from the nearby tourist island of Bali were cancelled on Monday due to ash clouds drifting into flight paths.

Some flight operations resumed on Tuesday as visibility conditions slightly improved, but officials warned that further cancellations may be necessary depending on volcanic activity.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with aviation authorities,” said Agung Sudaryatna, spokesperson for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

“The safety of passengers and residents remains our top priority.”

Mount Lewotobi, part of a twin volcano system that includes Lewotobi Perempuan (“Female Lewotobi”), has a long history of eruptions, and residents living in its shadow are no strangers to emergency evacuations.

Indonesia, straddling the Pacific Ring of Fire, is among the world’s most volcanically active nations, with more than 120 active volcanoes.

Shelters have been set up across eastern Flores, and disaster response teams are on the ground providing food, masks, and medical support to evacuees.

As volcanic tremors continue to rumble beneath the surface, authorities warn that the threat has not yet passed.

“This is a dynamic and evolving situation,” Wafid said.

“We urge the public to remain alert, follow official instructions, and avoid spreading misinformation.”

The eruption has once again disrupted lives and travel in the region, reminding many Indonesians of the persistent volatility of the natural world around them.