Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia erupted with explosive force on Monday morning, sending an 18km (10 mile)-tall ash column soaring into the stratosphere – marking its most powerful activity this year and raising alert levels and expanding an exclusion zone to 7 km, as ashfall blanketed villages and disrupted regional aviation services. [http://nypost.com], (@ApNews), BurnabyNow.com (@Burnabynow)]. [@ApNews] [+14]. [=Imp]
At 11:05 AM local time, Indonesia’s Geological Agency (PVMBG) recorded the eruption. Volcanic clouds dispersed hot ash, gas and debris up to five kilometres downslope; surveillance drones captured images of rising lava within the crater which indicated deep-seated magma buildup which in turn resulted in multiple volcanic earthquakes en.antaranews.com | burnabynow com | apnews com
Muhammad Wafid, Director of the Geological Agency, described this blast as one of the strongest since November 2024. A volcanic eruption with that size certainly poses more of a danger, including on aviation,” he noted, emphasizing the need to reevaluate safety zones for both residents and tourists. Adelaidenow.com.au +10, Burnabynow.com +10 and Apnews com+10 were some of the many media outlets covering it at that time.
Impact and Precautions
Aviation Disruption: At least 24 flights serving Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport from Australia, Singapore and South Korea were cancelled or delayed due to volcanic ash dispersion; additional domestic flights such as those to Labuan Bajo, Maumere and Larantuka were also affected by disruptions at Labuan Bajo. Major carriers like Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar continue to monitor its dispersion closely as do major media organizations including The Guardian (US), Reuters (US), Apnews (US).
Ashfall and Villages: Ash rained down on nearby communities for up to 30 minutes, darkening skies for several hours and prompting residents and officials to wear masks and prepare for lahars–volcanic mudflows triggered by rain–to avoid downstream risks. Residents were warned by officials and experts alike of significant downstream risk. AntaraNews.com/antaranews/15, AJC.com/16,The Sun.com (11-13-14-15-16-17-19-21-22, 17); AntaraNews/antaranews/antaranews/1618/antaranews-14/18 on Antaranews en.antaranews en/antaranews antaranews/antaranewscom+14/18 and The-Sun.com 17
Exclusion Zone: Since June 18’s eruption, alert status has remained at Level Four; authorities have expanded the restricted radius from 6 to 7 km and villager within its danger zone have either evacuated in past incidents or been relocated out. hindustantimes.com. (+4) and (apnews.com, +4) offer more information. Eruption Timeline
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, one of two twin Lewotobi volcanic systems on Flores Island, has experienced increased activity since late 2023. Key events over this time period:
Nov 2024: An eruption claiming nine lives, destroying homes, displacing thousands, and disrupting Bali flights; its ash disrupting flights as far away as Taiwan. 2025: Eruptions spewing ash up to 8 kilometers; alert levels were raised, airspace monitored.
Plumes reached 10 km in altitude and caused flight cancellations and red alerts for aviation.
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This latest eruption ranks among Indonesia’s most powerful since 2010’s Mount Merapi disaster, when hundreds of lives were claimed due to falling ash and debris. Its the Guardian (+15), AJC (+15), and Apnews +15 have reported on it.
Why It Matters
Aviation Hazard: High-altitude ash poses serious threats to engines and navigation systems, prompting authorities to intensify ash cloud tracking to mitigate possible catastrophe.
Community Safety: Downwind villages may face health risks and lahar flooding; emergency response teams are on standby for rescue and cleanup operations.
Tourism & Economy: Bali, Indonesia’s tourism capital, is suffering as flight cancellations cause havoc across its economy – impacting hotels, restaurants and livelihoods on an ongoing basis.
What to Expect Volcanologists will continue monitoring seismic and gas activity, while satellite imagery tracks ash plume trajectories. Residents and tourists within 7 km are being advised to remain alert and wear masks. Rain could trigger dangerous mudflows near tributaries below the volcano.
As Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki remains on high alert, authorities are taking proactive steps to prepare for potential renewed eruptions. Residents should remain informed through official channels, stay out of exclusion zones and adhere to guidance provided by PVMBG or disaster agencies.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki’s activity serves as a stark reminder of Indonesia’s susceptibility to volcanic hazards, with over 120 active volcanoes across its archipelago and thus prompt monitoring and evacuation planning essential in safeguarding communities as well as global air travel.