Volcano Eruption in Indonesia Disrupts Flights and Triggers Alerts

One of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, erupted on Tuesday, shooting a thick column of ash over 11 kilometers high into the sky from the island of Flores. The eruption began at around 5:35 PM local time, according to the country’s volcanology agency, BBC reported. 

Although no injuries or deaths have been reported so far, officials have raised the volcano alert to the highest level. People living nearby have been told to stay at least 7 kilometers away from the crater due to the risk of more eruptions.

The eruption has disrupted air travel, especially to and from the nearby resort island of Bali. Over 20 flights have been cancelled at Ngurah Rai International Airport, including those operated by Air India, Singapore Airlines, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and others. Some domestic flights to Flores have also been cancelled.

Authorities are warning of possible lahar floods, dangerous flows of mud and volcanic debris, if heavy rain falls in the area. People nearby are being told to wear face masks to avoid breathing in ash, and at least one village has been evacuated. Ash rain has been reported in several other areas too.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has erupted multiple times before, including in November, when nine people died, and thousands were forced to evacuate. Its most recent eruption before this one was in May.

The volcano is part of a twin formation “Laki-Laki” means “man” in Indonesian, and it sits next to its taller but quieter companion, Lewotobi Perempuan, meaning “woman”.

Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to shifting tectonic plates.