Volcanic eruption in Indonesia shoots up a 18-km high ash column
**Breaking News: Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Eruption Causes Alarm on Flores, Indonesia**
On July 7, 2025, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located on the island of Flores, erupted at 11:05 local time (0305 GMT), sending an ash column soaring to a height of approximately 19.6 km (63,000 feet) above sea level. This marks the highest ash column since the volcano's deadly eruption in November 2024, which resulted in the deaths of nine people and the evacuation of thousands.
The Indonesian Volcanology Agency has maintained the alert level at the highest (Red) status due to the frequent and violent eruptive activity this year. Pyroclastic flows have extended up to 5 km (3 miles) down the volcano's slopes, and thick ashfall is affecting nearby villages, including Boru.
The ongoing threat of pyroclastic flows, lahars, and volcanic earthquakes necessitates evacuation and strict adherence to the exclusion zone with a 7 km (4.3 miles) radius. The ashfall has also caused health hazards, leading to mask advisories for residents to protect themselves from volcanic ash.
The eruption has the potential to disrupt air travel. Multiple flights to and from Bali's Denpasar International Airport and other regional hubs have been cancelled or delayed. Flights between Indonesia and several international destinations, including Australia, China, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Singapore, have also been affected due to volcanic ash in the atmosphere.
The Indonesian transport ministry and airport operator did not immediately respond to an AFP comment request. However, as of the report, there were no immediate reports of cancelled flights after Monday's eruption.
The twin volcano, named Perempuan, is relatively calm compared to Laki-Laki. Authorities urge residents to stay at least 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) away from the volcano, as advised by Muhammad Wafid, head of the geology agency.
Indonesia, a vast archipelago nation, experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire". The ongoing eruption serves as a reminder of the country's geological activity and the importance of adhering to safety measures.
Travelers are advised to follow official advisories, expect ongoing flight disruptions, and avoid the exclusion zone for their safety. The environmental and economic effects of the eruption, including damage to agriculture and interruptions to tourism and transportation, are significant concerns for the local communities.
[1] https://www.volcanodiscovery.com/lewotolak.html [2] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57666836 [3] https://www.reuters.com/world/indonesia/indonesias-lewotobi-laki-laki-volcano-erupts-again-2021-11-08/
The scientists monitor the ongoing eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, an environmental-science concern, to predict potential hazards and advise on safety measures for the local population and travelers. The ash column from the eruption has disrupted air travel, causing cancellations and delays of flights in and around Indonesia, impacting regionalhubs and international destinations, such as Australia, China, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Singapore.
