Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Erupts in Indonesia, Triggering Highest Alert Level

The Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano on Indonesia's Flores Island erupted three times on Friday, sending an ash column soaring 8,000 meters (26,000 feet) into the atmosphere.

Ester Narek / AP Photo

Authorities raised the eruption alert to the highest level and expanded the danger zone around the volcano to an 8-kilometer (5-mile) radius. The eruption disrupted air travel and caused injuries among local residents.

The volcano, located in East Nusa Tenggara province, has shown heightened activity over the past week with hundreds of seismic tremors. Thursday evening’s eruption was followed by a loud explosion heard as far as 85 kilometers (53 miles) away in Maumere and Larantuka. Smaller eruptions continued throughout Friday, with volcanic material glowing at the summit, indicating shallow magma activity.

Ashfall blanketed streets and plantations near the volcano, forcing residents to clear debris using simple tools. Several individuals were injured by hot volcanic dust while fleeing fields during the eruption. “They were guarding their cornfields when hot lava started falling,” said Maria Magdalena, a resident of Nurabelen village.

The eruptions also disrupted international flights, with airlines canceling routes between Australia and Bali. Residents were warned about potential lava flows triggered by heavy rainfall in rivers originating from the volcano.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is part of a twin volcanic system alongside Mount Lewotobi Perempuan. It last erupted in November 2024, killing nine people and displacing thousands. Indonesia, situated along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," is home to 120 active volcanoes and frequent seismic activity. While no new evacuations were ordered, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as volcanic activity persists.