Indonesia Volcano Erupts, Prompting Highest Alert Level

JAKARTA, 20 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – A volcano in eastern Indonesia erupted late on Thursday, spewing a colossal tower of ash eight kilometres (nearly five miles) into the atmosphere. In response, officials elevated the alert status to its highest level.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a twin-peaked volcano standing at 1,703 metres (5,587 feet) on the tourist island of Flores, erupted for a duration of 11 minutes and nine seconds, according to authorities.

“The ash column was observed to be grey to black with thick intensity,” stated Indonesia’s volcanology agency in its official release regarding the eruption, which commenced at 22:56 local time (14:56 GMT).

Precautionary Measures and Impact

Although no immediate damage to nearby villages has been reported, authorities have warned of the potential for volcanic mudflows, particularly with heavy rainfall in the region.

Due to the prolonged eruption, the country’s geological agency has raised the volcano’s alert status to the highest level on its four-tier system. In conjunction with this, an exclusion zone extending between seven and eight kilometres has been enforced around the volcano to safeguard residents and visitors.

Previous Eruption and Context

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has shown increased volcanic activity in recent months. In November 2024, the volcano erupted multiple times, leading to the deaths of nine people. The incident also resulted in the cancellation of numerous international flights to Bali and the evacuation of thousands of residents.

The volcano derives its name from the Indonesian word for “man” (Laki-Laki) and is paired with a more dormant volcano named after the Indonesian word for “woman” (Perempuan).

Indonesia’s Volcanic Activity

Indonesia is home to around 130 active volcanoes, making it one of the most seismically volatile regions on Earth. The country’s geographical position along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” results in frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

Authorities continue to monitor Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki closely, advising locals and travellers to remain vigilant and adhere to safety directives issued by the government.

Supplementary Information:

The “Ring of Fire” is a 40,000 km-long horseshoe-shaped zone in the Pacific Ocean where the majority of the world’s earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.

The 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia was one of the most powerful in recorded history, causing global climate anomalies known as the “Year Without a Summer.”