Explosive Surprise on Flores: Thousands Flee as Volcano Erupts
Mass exodus on Flores island, Indonesia, triggered by volcanic eruption during holiday period.
Heads turned skyward on Friday as the Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano on Flores, a popular Indonesian holiday island, let loose a thunderous display. The volcano, located off the coast of Bali, erupted late Thursday evening, spewing ash high into the air. Authorities swiftly escalated the situation to the highest alert level.
In the following chaos, over 4,700 residents from neighboring villages were evacuated, urged to seek safety and follow instructions from the authorities. The evacuation came as a result of the explosion that ejected ash as high as 16.2 kilometers[5], a sight that left locals shaken and authorities on high alert.
While ash continued to drift towards Bali, affecting its flight operations, the eruption on the east of Bali left residents scrambling to safety. The Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano, a part of the 'Ring of Fire,' has a history of violent eruptions[1]. In fact, the volcano saw several eruptions in November 2024, resulting in the tragic loss of nine innocent lives[1].
Now, as the volcano remains active, local authorities and the tourism sector are working hard to minimize disruptions and ensure the safety of passengers. Despite the challenges, efforts are underway to develop alternative flight routes to avoid volcanic ash, and assess the impact on the tourism industry on Bali[2].
[1] Volcano Discovery
[2] Bali Post
[3] Indonesia Today
[4] Jakarta Post
[5] Volcanic Ash Advisory Center Tokyo
- The authorities have urged residents near the Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano on Flores, a popular Indonesian holiday island, to stay on high alert, as eruptions continue to be a threat.
- The tragic losses in 2024 due to the Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano's eruptions serve as a reminder of the volcanic mountain's violent history, despite beauty of its flower-filled landscapes.
- In the face of disruptions due to the volcanic ash, tourists and locals on Bali are being kept informed through numerous channels, including WhatsApp updates for the latest evacuation notices and flight route updates.
