Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki Erupts in Indonesia, Launching Ash 11 Miles into the Atmosphere

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted on Monday, producing a massive column of volcanic materials that rose as high as 18 kilometers (11 miles) into the atmosphere and releasing ash that blanketed nearby villages. The volcano has been on the highest alert level since last month, yet no casualties have been reported as of now.

During the eruption, Indonesia’s Geology Agency observed an avalanche of searing gas clouds mixed with rocks and lava that descended the slopes of the volcano for up to 5 kilometers (3 miles). Drone observations indicated that lava was accumulating within the crater, suggesting significant movement of magma responsible for triggering volcanic earthquakes.

The height of the hot clouds released during this eruption surpassed those emitted in the major eruption in November 2024, which resulted in nine fatalities and numerous injuries. This eruption also marked a recurrence of volcanic activity, with previous eruptions occurring in March.

Muhammad Wafid, head of the Geology Agency, noted the heightened danger posed by such significant eruptions, particularly regarding their potential impact on aviation. He stated that the agency would need to reassess and potentially expand the danger zone that requires evacuation of villagers and tourists.

The monitoring agency had raised the alert for Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki to the highest level following a previous eruption on June 18 and has more than doubled the exclusion zone to a radius of 7 kilometers (4.3 miles). Following an eruption earlier last year, over 6,500 residents evacuated their homes, and Frans Seda Airport on the island has remained closed due to ongoing seismic activity.

Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki is a twin volcano along with Mount Lewotobi Perempuan in Flores Timur. This recent eruption is considered one of Indonesia’s largest volcanic events since 2010, following the infamous eruption of Mount Merapi, which claimed 353 lives and displaced over 350,000 individuals.

Indonesia, an archipelago home to more than 280 million people, is situated along the “Ring of Fire,” known for its frequent seismic activity and active volcanoes.