Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Erupts, Causes Highest Alert in Indonesia

The volcanic activity of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia has intensified, leading to a highest alert declaration. The eruption on Tuesday produced an ash cloud that reached over 11 kilometers into the atmosphere, prompting a 7 km exclusion zone and evacuations around the area.

Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has erupted again, prompting the country’s volcanology agency to issue the utmost alert level following an explosive event on Tuesday that released a significant ash cloud rising over 11 kilometers into the air. The eruption occurred at precisely 17:35 local time (10:35 BST) above the popular tourist destination of Flores.

In response to the eruption, authorities have established a 7-kilometer exclusion zone around the volcano, which rises to 1,584 meters (about one mile) tall. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries associated with this latest event. However, the volcano has a history of dangerous activity; its November eruptions resulted in nine fatalities and forced the evacuation of thousands of residents, alongside numerous flight cancellations due to ash clouds.

Muhammad Wafid, head of the geological agency, strongly advised that no activities should take place within the 7-kilometer radius and warned of potential lahars — volcanic mudflows that can occur with heavy rainfall. Residents in the vicinity have been advised to wear protective face masks to guard against volcanic ash exposure.

Evacuations are currently underway; the National Disaster Mitigation Agency confirmed that at least one village has already been cleared of residents, and reports indicate that ash fall has been recorded in surrounding areas outside the mandated exclusion zone. The agency's spokesperson urged those living near the volcano to relocate to safer areas, as seismic tremors continue to signal ongoing volcanic activity.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, referred to as "man" in Indonesian, has an accompanying volcano, Perempuan, meaning "woman," which stands taller at 1,703 meters. Both mountains are known for their distinctive twin peaks, with the more assertive Laki-Laki currently demonstrating significant unrest.