An Indonesian volcano erupted twice on Wednesday morning, spewing a massive ash cloud some 10 kilometres vertically into the sky. Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki began erupting at about 1:35 a.m. and continued for nearly nine minutes. Then it erupted again at 9:21 a.m., spewing additional ash some 8 kilometres into the air.
The Geological Agency of the country has been monitoring the mountain keenly since Monday, when they realised that something was mounting inside. The alert has now been taken to the highest level possible. Officials are instructing all who reside in the neighbourhood of the volcano to listen carefully and avoid the mountain. No one should approach 6 or 7 kilometres from it at the moment.
People Running From Their Homes
Dozens of households residing in villages near the volcano packed up their belongings and fled as soon as the eruptions began. Residents were evacuated by local officials in a speedy manner. Many people recalled what happened last November in 2024 when the same volcano took away 10 lives and destroyed plenty of homes. No one wants to take a risk this time.
The Maumere airport, known as Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport, will remain closed until Thursday due to too much ash in the air. Planes aren’t able to fly safely through that. But travellers going to or from Bali don’t have to fret yet – those routes are still operating like usual for now.
This Volcano Keeps Triggering
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki isn’t new to trouble. It erupted in July last year and then in August this year, disrupting flights both times. Indonesia boasts over 120 volcanoes that can erupt at any moment. The entire nation is located on what scientists refer to as the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” That’s a large circle of areas where the ground is shaken a lot and volcanoes erupt because enormous sections of the Earth’s surface are colliding with one another.
They are also concerned about rain. If a lot of rain falls near the volcano today, it may mix with all that volcanic material and produce risky mudflows that barrel down the mountain. They are telling residents to avoid rivers and valleys anywhere around Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki. Those mudflows move very quickly and knock anything over.
News At Glance
- Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted twice on Wednesday morning
- Initial eruption at 1:35 a.m. hurled ash 10 kilometres into the air, lasting 9 minutes
- Follow-up eruption at 9:21 a.m. drove ash 8 kilometres high
- Alert level heightened to the highest level following intensifying activity since Monday
- Scores of villagers fled from around the volcano
- Maumere’s Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport shut down until Thursday
- Flights to and from Bali continue as usual
- Authorities advise people to remain 6-7 kilometres from the volcano
- Heavy rain may set off hazardous volcanic mudflows
- There are more than 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”
FAQs
- Where on earth is this volcano?
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki is located in East Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia.
- How high did the ash go?
The ash reached as high as 10 kilometres above ground when the first eruption happened.
- Did the people escape safely?
Yes, dozens of villagers who live in surrounding villages were evacuated prior to the situation becoming worse.
- Can I still go to Bali by plane?
Yes, flights to and from Bali are operating normally, but Maumere airport is closed until Thursday.
- Why does Indonesia experience so many volcanic eruptions?
Indonesia is located along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” where tectonic plates converge and collide with each other, resulting in eruptions and earthquakes.
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