Explosive Eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Triggers Highest Alert in Indonesia

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted violently, sending an ash plume soaring over 11 kilometers into the sky, leading Indonesian officials to declare an emergency response.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, one of Indonesia's most volatile volcanoes, erupted on Tuesday at 17:35 local time, releasing a massive ash cloud that climbed more than 11 kilometers high, according to the country's volcanology agency. This led officials to issue the highest alert level, necessitating a 7-kilometer exclusion zone around the 1,584-meter twin-peaked volcano, located on the picturesque island of Flores.

Despite the immediate situation, there have been no reported injuries or damage as a result of the eruption. However, history shows the volcano's destructive power; its previous eruption in November resulted in nine fatalities and the forced evacuation of thousands, alongside numerous flight cancellations due to ash interference.

Authorities have warned that residents should avoid the 7-kilometer radius surrounding the crater due to the risk of lahar floods — dangerous flows of mud and debris that can occur during heavy rainfall. Officials also advised locals to wear masks to shield themselves from the hazardous volcanic ash.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency observed ash rain falling on villages outside the designated exclusion zone. In light of the continuing tremors, indicative of persistent volcanic activity, officials have urged residents in nearby areas to seek safer refuges.

This eruption follows a previous incident in May when the volcano also prompted authorities to issue the highest alert level. Lewis Laki-Laki, meaning "man" in Indonesian, is accompanied by its counterpart, Perempuan, which translates to "woman," and stands slightly taller at 1,703 meters.