In the heart of south-central Indonesia, Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted explosively, thrusting a towering ash column 8,000 meters (about 26,000 feet) into the sky and leading authorities to extend the danger perimeter around the volcano.
Positioned on the isolated island of Flores within the East Nusa Tenggara province, the volcano has experienced a surge in volcanic tremors and visible activity over the past week.
The initial eruption accompanied by a thunderous explosion reverberated as far as Larantuka and Maumere, cities located approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) to 85 kilometers (53 miles) from the volcanic site. These events were captured by several monitoring facilities situated on Flores island, according to Muhammad Wafid, the head of Indonesia’s Geology Agency.
There were subsequent eruptions on Friday, with milder volcanic activity persisting throughout the day. Observations revealed smoke billowing around the crater combined with weak to moderate force, while a noticeable glow atop the peak suggested molten material lay near the surface.
Even as the day progressed, thick, gray plumes continued to emanate from the volcano’s crater. The eruption blanketed roads and farmlands with ash, prompting residents to mobilize with shovels and hoes in efforts to clear walkways and fallen branches.
Injuries were reported among villagers caught by the hot dust expelled during the volcanic outbursts. Maria Magdalena, from the Nurabelen village, recounted how local farmers, who were tending their cornfields, sustained injuries while fleeing from the descending hot ash and volcanic debris.
The authorities escalated the eruption alert status to its peak and expanded the hazardous zone from 7 kilometers (4.5 miles) to 8 kilometers (5 miles) surrounding the crater. However, no new evacuations were immediately mandated. Resident Paulina Telesiku mentioned that they await governmental directives regarding possible evacuation procedures.
In light of the eruptions, several airlines opted to cancel flights on routes linking Australia and Indonesia’s popular tourist destination, Bali. Meanwhile, other international and domestic air services to the island experienced delays.
The geology agency of Indonesia also cautioned residents about the potential for heavy rainfall to trigger dangerous lava flows along watercourses stemming from the volcano. A previous volcanic eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki in November had resulted in nine fatalities and numerous injuries.
Standing at 1,584 meters (5,197 feet), Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki forms part of a twin volcanic complex with Mount Lewotobi Perempuan in the Flores Timur district. As part of an archipelago nation housing 270 million individuals, Indonesia faces frequent geological disturbances, bearing 120 active volcanoes and lying on the “Ring of Fire,” a chain of seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean.