Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi, situated in East Nusa Tenggara province, erupted on Tuesday with a massive ash plume soaring 11 kilometers into the sky. The eruption prompted authorities to elevate the volcano’s alert level to the highest danger zone, cautioning residents of potential lava flows if heavy rains follow.
The scene was apocalyptic. A towering, orange mushroom-shaped ash cloud darkened the skies over nearby villages, captured in dramatic visuals shared online. Motorists were seen fleeing under a canopy of ash, as visibility dropped rapidly and air quality worsened.
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Mount Lewotobi, especially its Laki-laki (“Male”) peak, has shown frequent activity. It last erupted in March, causing temporary disruptions to flights into Bali, including those operated by major carriers like Jetstar and Qantas. Authorities remain on standby, although they have not confirmed any impact on air traffic this time.
Indonesia’s disaster mitigation and search and rescue agencies have not announced any mandatory evacuations yet but are closely monitoring the situation. Given the volcano’s history and its location on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, officials remain cautious about possible aftershocks and continued eruptions.
As ash continues to settle, health officials advise residents to wear protective masks, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay indoors to prevent respiratory issues. The ash cloud also poses risks of mudflows in nearby valleys, especially if rain begins.
The latest eruption is yet another reminder of the powerful natural forces that shape daily life in Indonesia—a nation home to over 120 active volcanoes.
