Flores: The Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano on the Indonesian island of Flores erupted again on Monday, sending a massive column of ash approximately 18,000 meters into the sky. The eruption, which occurred at 11 am local time, was marked by a loud explosion and pyroclastic flows that traveled about 5 kilometers toward the north and north-east of the crater.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Volcanology and Geological Hazards Authority (PVMBG) reported that these pyroclastic flows consist of a dangerous mixture of hot gas, ash, rock, and lava racing down the volcanic slopes at high speeds. Fortunately, there were initially no reports of injuries or fatalities following the eruption.
The authorities have warned that the eruption is ongoing, which means further explosions could occur. The Lewotobi Laki-Laki, standing at 1,584 meters high, has been active since 2023 and is one of the twin peaks of the volcano, with its counterpart being Perempuan Lewotobi. These peaks are situated about 2 kilometers apart. The last major eruption of the volcano was recorded in mid-June, while an incident in November 2024 resulted in the deaths of 10 people due to the ejection of red-hot rock.
In response to the current eruption, an exclusion zone has been established within a 6-kilometer radius around the volcano, and residents and visitors have been advised to steer clear of the area. It remains uncertain whether this latest eruption will lead to disruptions in air traffic.
Ash clouds from the eruption had not reached the airspace of nearby Bali as of 3:30 pm, according to airport general manager Ahmas Syaugi Shahab, who confirmed that the airport was still operating normally. Nevertheless, a total of 24 flights were cancelled by various airlines due to the eruption's broader impact on flight routes.
Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is recognized as the most geologically active zone on Earth.
