Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki's recent eruptions lead to increased evacuations and health concerns among locals, highlighting Indonesia's ongoing volcanic activity.
**Indonesian Volcano Erupts Again, Triggering Evacuations and Flight Cancellations**
**Indonesian Volcano Erupts Again, Triggering Evacuations and Flight Cancellations**
Residents evacuate as Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki sends ash clouds 18km into the sky, forcing authorities to issue high-alert warnings.
Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki has erupted once more, producing a significant ash cloud that reached an altitude of 18 kilometers (11 miles) on Monday morning. This latest eruption follows renewed volcanic activity that began three weeks ago, prompting local authorities to raise the volcano’s alert level to its highest category. As a precaution, over 4,000 residents have fled their homes, and at least 24 flights have been canceled at surrounding airports, including Bali.
The initial eruption occurred at 11:05 AM local time and was noted for its intensity, marking the tallest ash column since November, according to the head of the geological agency, Muhammad Wafid. "An eruption of that size certainly carries a higher potential for danger, including its impact on aviation," he told reporters.
The eruption was characterized by a loud roar, leading to an expansive exclusion zone extending 7 kilometers from the volcano’s center. Authorities also issued warnings regarding potential lahars—mud flows that can occur with heavy rainfall. Additional eruptions followed later in the day, with one occurring at 7:30 PM, which again sent ash and lava plumes into the atmosphere.
Footage from local residents depicted glowing red lava spurting from the volcano, as individuals packed cars and buses to evacuate. However, those remaining in affected areas are reportedly facing shortages of food, water, and respiratory masks. "Water is still available, but there's concern about its cleanliness and whether it has been contaminated as our area was covered in thick volcanic ash during the eruptions," shared Paulus Sony Sang Tukan, local village leader.
While no fatalities have been reported following this eruption, the volcano has a history of causing lethal events; a previous eruption in November resulted in ten deaths and widespread evacuations. Indonesia’s position along the Pacific "Ring of Fire" means it is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic activity, making ongoing monitoring and emergency preparedness critical for those living near its many volcanoes.
