Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano in Indonesia has erupted, sending an ash cloud 11 miles into the air and prompting flight cancellations. The volcano’s highest alert level was recorded last month, but this eruption is its largest since November 2024, killing nine people and injuring dozens.
According to Indonesia’s Geology Agency, the volcano had a massive column of hot clouds rising up to 18 kilometers high, with ash falling on villages and blocking sunlight for almost half an hour. The agency also recorded seismic activity, lava filling the crater, and volcanic gas clouds traveling down the slopes.
The eruption led to the cancellation of at least 24 flights serving between Bali and Australia, Singapore, South Korea, as well as four domestic routes in Indonesia. Virgin Australia’s services were severely delayed, while Qantas flights were severely impacted.
Indonesia has increased its alert status for Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki due to frequent eruptions, with a 7-kilometer exclusion zone already in place. The government is reevaluating the danger zone and is warning residents of potential lava flows and heavy rainfall that could trigger further eruptions.
The volcano is one of Indonesia’s most active, with over 120 volcanoes across the archipelago, which sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire. This eruption highlights the country’s frequent seismic activity and its need for preparedness measures to mitigate the impact on aviation and residents.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/indonesias-mount-lewotobi-laki-laki-volcano-erupts-sending-123527043