Bali: Flights to and from Bali have been severely disrupted after Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, erupted, spewing a towering ash plume over 11 kilometres into the sky.
The eruption occurred on the island of Flores, prompting Indonesia’s volcanology agency to raise the alert to its highest level. Authorities swiftly advised residents to stay at least 7 kilometres away from the volcano’s crater.
Airlines including Air India, Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Juneyao Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Virgin Australia have cancelled multiple flights to and from Bali located west of Flores. Domestic carriers, including AirAsia, also cancelled flights bound for Flores. I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport reported over 20 flight cancellations linked to the volcanic activity.
Diego Girón@Pexels | Cropped by BH
While no casualties have been reported so far, evacuations are underway. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency confirmed that at least one village has been evacuated, with ash rain affecting several others outside the exclusion zone. Residents have been urged to wear face masks to shield themselves from volcanic ash.
Geology agency head Muhammad Wafid warned of the potential for lahar floods fast-moving flows of volcanic debris — particularly if heavy rains occur. Tremors continue to be detected in the area, indicating ongoing volcanic activity.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, part of a twin-peaked volcano alongside the more dormant Mount Perempuan, last erupted in May. A series of eruptions in November led to nine fatalities and the displacement of thousands.
Located on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’, Indonesia is home to more than 120 active volcanoes and regularly experiences seismic and volcanic activity due to tectonic plate collisions.
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