Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Erupts In Indonesia, Spewing Ash Cloud 11km High.
The Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano in southeastern Indonesia erupted dramatically on Tuesday, 17 June 2025, sending a colossal ash cloud soaring 11 kilometres (6.8 miles) into the sky, according to the country’s volcanology agency. The spectacular eruption, which occurred at 17:35 local time (10:35 BST), prompted authorities to raise the alert level to the highest tier and expand the danger zone to 8 kilometres (5 miles) around the crater, as residents and tourists were urged to steer clear.
The 1,584-metre (5,197-foot) volcano, located on Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara province, unleashed thick grey clouds and volcanic material visible up to 150 kilometres (93 miles) away, with a mushroom-shaped plume dominating the skyline. The Indonesian Geological Agency reported 50 volcanic activities in just two hours—far exceeding the usual daily average of 8 to 10—underscoring the eruption’s intensity. “It was the first time I’d seen such a big eruption,” a villager from Talibura told Sky News, capturing the awe and fear felt by locals.
No immediate casualties or significant damage were reported, unlike a November 2024 eruption that claimed 10 lives and injured dozens. However, the eruption disrupted air travel, with several international flights to and from Bali—including those operated by Air India, Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, and Virgin Australia—cancelled on Wednesday morning. Maumere’s Fransiskus Xaverius Seda airport was closed until Thursday for safety, according to AirNav Indonesia. Authorities also warned of potential lava flows triggered by heavy rainfall, particularly in rivers originating from the volcano, urging residents in areas like Dulipali and Nurabelen to remain vigilant.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, meaning “man” in Indonesian, is part of a twin volcano complex alongside the calmer, taller Mount Lewotobi Perempuan (“woman”), located less than 2 kilometres apart in the seismically active Flores Timur district. Indonesia, an archipelago of 270 million people, sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” home to 120 active volcanoes and frequent seismic activity. The volcano has been increasingly active since December 2023, with significant eruptions in March and May 2025, the latter prompting a similar maximum alert level.
As the situation develops, authorities continue to monitor the volcano, with smaller eruptions reported early Wednesday. The Indonesian government has called for calm, advising residents to use masks to protect against ashfall and to follow local directives. The eruption serves as a stark reminder of Indonesia’s volatile geology, with Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki once again asserting its power over the region.
