A powerful eruption occurred at Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki in Indonesia, sending a massive cloud of hot ash soaring 6.8 miles into the sky. The eruption took place on Tuesday afternoon and was so intense that the ash cloud was visible from cities nearly 90 miles away in the East Nusa Tenggara province.
In response to the eruption, authorities raised the volcano’s alert level to the highest category, indicating a serious threat. They also warned residents about the possibility of heavy rainfall that could trigger lava flows in rivers near the volcano. To ensure safety, the danger zone around the crater was expanded to about five miles.
Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties so far. However, this eruption follows a pattern of increased volcanic activity; Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki last erupted in May, prompting similar alerts. The volcano is known for its dual peaks, with its twin, Mount Lewotobi Perempuan, located nearby.
This region is part of Indonesia’s "Ring of Fire," an area known for its frequent seismic activity due to numerous fault lines. The country has around 120 active volcanoes, making it one of the most volcanically active regions in the world.
While the impact of this latest eruption on air travel remains uncertain, previous eruptions have caused significant disruptions. In November, an eruption resulted in nine deaths and many injuries, while a March eruption led to flight cancellations to Bali.
As the situation develops, officials will continue to monitor the volcano and provide updates to ensure the safety of nearby residents.