Lewotobi Laki-Laki: Powerful eruption sends ash 15 km high and triggers pyroclastic flows
On Tuesday at 17:35 local time (09:35 UTC), Indonesia’s Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano on Flores Island erupted violently. The Darwin VAAC reported an ash plume reaching up to 15 kilometers into the atmosphere, spreading over a wide area and remaining detectable 150 kilometers away.
According to the Indonesian disaster agency, the ash column rose 10,000 meters above the crater, approximately 11,584 meters above sea level. The eruption is ongoing, and authorities have raised the alert level to the maximum (IV).
Photos show multiple pyroclastic flows racing down the volcano’s flanks. Experts from the VSI warned of potential lahars if heavy rains occur, though the region is currently in its dry season.
Ashfall has been reported in all directions, particularly in the east and southeast. Residents were advised to wear masks and avoid the area.
Preparations for evacuation are underway. No casualties have been reported, but many locals are leaving nearby villages voluntarily.
Access to the volcano has been widely restricted. A 7-kilometer exclusion zone is in place, extending to 8 kilometers in the southwest-northeast sector.
Indonesia’s aviation authority issued a red alert for air traffic. Significant flight disruptions occurred, especially on routes between Australia and Bali, with numerous cancellations.
This eruption is part of a recent eruptive phase. Similar explosive activity was recorded in March, April, and May, each preceded by brief seismic crises.