Indonesia: Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, has erupted again, forcing over 4,000 residents to evacuate and grounding dozens of flights in the region.
The volcano shot a towering column of ash 18 kilometres into the sky, marking its most powerful eruption since November. Authorities raised the alert to the highest level following the renewed activity, which began through multiple eruptions, including a second major blast and a third at a slightly reduced intensity.
Despite the scale of the eruptions, no casualties have been reported so far. Muhammad Wafid, head of Indonesia’s geology agency stated that, “The scale of Monday’s eruption increases the potential danger, particularly for aviation.” At least 24 flights to and from Bali were cancelled, although some services resumed.
The initial eruption was accompanied by a thunderous roar and prompted officials to extend the exclusion zone around the crater to a 7-kilometre radius. Authorities also warned of potential lahar flows, fast-moving volcanic mudslides, if heavy rain strikes the ash-covered region.
Dramatic footage posted on social media shows bright red lava jets lighting up the night sky as residents packed into buses and trucks to flee the danger zone.
Muhammad Wafid, head of Indonesia’s geology agency remarked that, “We need urgent support. Some families who haven’t left are running low on clean water, food, and masks. The ashfall has coated everything, and there are concerns that our water sources are contaminated.”
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, part of a twin-volcano system in East Flores Regency, has erupted several times this year, displacing thousands. While this latest series of eruptions has caused widespread disruption, it has so far remained non-lethal, a contrast to the deadly eruption in November which killed at least 10 people.
Indonesia lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for its high seismic and volcanic activity. The country has more active volcanoes than any other nation. Emergency crews remain on high alert as volcanic tremors continue to rumble, and ash clouds drift toward the west and north.
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