**Indonesia Issues Highest Alert as Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Erupts**

The eruption has raised concerns for nearby residents and travel disruptions as the Volcano spews ash over Flores Island.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, erupted dramatically on Tuesday, emitting a substantial ash cloud that climbed 11 kilometers into the atmosphere. This event prompted the country's volcanology agency to declare the highest level of alert. The eruption occurred at 17:35 local time (10:35 BST), causing a widespread impact over the tourist-friendly island of Flores.

In response to the eruption, authorities have established a 7-kilometer exclusion zone surrounding the crater of the twin-peaked volcano, which stands at 1,584 meters (approximately one mile) tall. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or property damage as of yet. However, the volcano has a history of violent eruptions, with recent activity in November resulting in nine fatalities and thousands being forced to evacuate.

Muhammad Wafid, the head of the geology agency, urged residents to stay clear of the hazardous 7-kilometer radius surrounding the volcano. He also warned of the potential for lahar floods—debris flows of volcanic material—should heavy rainfall follow. In light of the ash fall, residents have been advised to wear face masks to guard against inhaling volcanic ash.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency reported evacuations in at least one village, with ash rain affecting several other communities outside the immediate danger zone. Officials are urging those living nearby to relocate to safer areas as tremors continue to be detected, indicating ongoing volcanic activity.

The last eruption of Lewotobi Laki-Laki occurred in May, which similarly prompted a severe alert status. Notably, "Laki-Laki" means "man" in Indonesian, while its sister peak, the taller 1,703-meter volcano known as Perempuan, means "woman" in the language.