Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki Volcano has erupted multiple times, sending an impressive ash cloud soaring over 26,000 feet into the atmosphere and prompting significant concerns for local residents and travelers alike. The eruption, which began late on March 20 and continued into March 21, 2025, marked an escalation in volcanic activity that has surged in recent weeks.
Located on the remote Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara province, Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki has been under close scrutiny due to reported increases in seismic activity, including hundreds of earthquakes leading up to the eruptive episodes. According to local geological authorities, the visible volcanic activity had escalated substantially over the previous week, raising alarms for the local community.
On March 21, three powerful eruptions occurred, with volcanic ash being expelled as high as 8,000 meters (about 26,200 feet). These eruptions were characterized by a violent explosion that resonated across distances of up to 85 kilometers (53 miles) from the volcano, reaching areas such as Larantuka and Maumere.
In a statement, Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation expressed their concern about the situation: "The ash column was observed grey to black with thick intensity," providing a stark picture of the eruption's magnitude.
Authorities have escalated the emergency alert status associated with the volcano to the highest level, from Level 3 to Level 4, which indicates a significant risk of eruptions. As part of the response, the danger zone surrounding the volcano has been extended from a radius of 7 kilometers (4.5 miles) to 8 kilometers (5 miles), urging local residents and tourists alike to steer clear of the area.
Moreover, residents have been cautioned about the risk of volcanic mudflows, particularly due to expected heavy rainfall in the vicinity. The agency warned, "The community around Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki and visitors/tourists should not carry out any activities within a radius of 7 km and 8 km in the Southwest and Northeast sectors of the eruption center of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki," stressing the importance of safety precautions in light of ongoing volcanic threats.
The repercussions of the eruption have been felt beyond the local community, with several airlines suspending flights to and from Indonesia's popular tourist destination of Bali due to the ash fallout. Notably, Jetstar, a low-cost subsidiary of Qantas Airways, cancelled flights from Australia to Bali, creating travel disruptions. Although Bali’s airport continued operations, there were reports of seven international flights being cancelled and delays affecting domestic routes.
The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki is particularly notable as it follows a tragic eruption in November 2024, which resulted in the loss of at least ten lives and left countless others displaced. The mountain, having dual peaks with the other being Mount Lewotobi Perempuan, poses a perennial threat as it remains within Indonesia’s notorious “Ring of Fire,” a region where the tectonic activity frequently results in earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
The geological monitoring agencies continue to assess the situation as it develops, with alerts and advisories being updated frequently. The current state of the volcano is closely observed with vigilant preparations for potential evacuations, should the situation worsen.
As this significant volcanic activity unfolds, residents and visitors are encouraged to remain alert, stay informed via official channels, and heed the warnings issued by local authorities. As of now, there have been no immediate reports of injuries or damages to nearby settlements, but the potential for danger remains high depending on the volcano's future behavior.
