Flights suspended due to volcanic eruption in Bali
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, a menacing peak in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, let loose twice this week on June 17 and 18, 2025. These eruptions, earning Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki notoriety, resulted in sky-scraping ash clouds, posing serious threats and stirring up uncertainties.
On June 17 at 5:35 p.m. local time, the initial eruption spewed an enormous mushroom-shaped ash plume, rising over 10 km high and leaving a trail visible for miles away. Rumbling, lightning, and thunder echoed, signaling the beginning of turmoil. The next day, the volcano followed suit, hormoning ash 5 km high. Nearby villagers weren't spared, as they witnessed their landscapes get drenched in volcanic debris.
These eruptions raised fears of lava flows and lahars, hazardous mud or debris flows created by volcanic material and heavy rainfall. With such a situation, keeping communities nearby safe became an immediate priority[1][2][3].
The chaos didn’t pause at the volcanic site. The ash cloud escalated the highest possible volcano alert, bringing numerous flight cancellations, primarily concentrated on Bali’s international airport. A line-up of airlines, including Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Air New Zealand, Air India, Singapore’s TigerAir, and China’s Juneyao Airlines, either curtailed or terminated flights, signifying the growing concern over airspace safety[2].
Evacuations ensued, as local authorities acted swiftly to safeguard residents dwelling in two villages close to the volcano. The danger zone around the volcano was expanded to a 8 km radius from the crater[2][3].
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupts in East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. - XINHUA/VNA Photo
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a 1,584m peak on Flores Island inhabited by approximately 2 million people, is part of the Lewotobi edifice and falls in the list of the most active volcanoes in eastern Indonesia. After the recent eruptions and previous lethal episodes in May and November, the volcano's consistent activity remains a considerable threat[1][2]. Staying vigilant amidst this unpredictable volcanic environment has become a necessity for local disaster management officials and residents alike[1][2][3].
- Given the unpredictable environmental changes, the government is exploring the use of AI in predicting future volcanic activity to enhance disaster management and ensure public safety.
- Across different fields, including science and environmental-science, researchers are collaborating to understand the impact of volcanic activity on local weather patterns.
- With airspace safety compromised due to the ash cloud, the government has introduced temporary travel restrictions, encouraging travelers to avoid non-essential travel to the affected areas.
