Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki Erupts Again, Displacing Thousands in Indonesia

Residents around Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in Indonesia are evacuating as the volcano erupts, sending massive ash clouds into the atmosphere. Over 4,000 people have fled the area amidst the highest alert levels, while many face shortages of essential supplies. Authorities emphasize the potential risks associated with continued volcanic activity.

Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki has erupted again, propelling a massive ash cloud into the sky, reaching heights of up to 18km (11 miles). This event has forced residents to evacuate their homes once more as the volcano, located on Flores Island, shifts to the highest alert level since its last eruptions three weeks prior. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported since the latest eruption began early Monday morning.

On Monday, at 11:05 AM local time (03:05 GMT), the initial column of ash signaled the volcano's largest eruption since November, according to Indonesia's geology agency chief, Muhammad Wafid. He noted that eruptions of this magnitude pose heightened risks, particularly to aviation. The eruption also prompted the cancellation of at least 24 flights to and from the popular resort island of Bali, though some services resumed briefly the next day.

The eruption's thunderous sound led local authorities to expand the exclusion zone to a 7km radius from the volcano’s central vent. Concerns of lahar floods—mud flows caused by volcanic activity—were raised, especially if heavy rain occurs in the region. The volcano erupted again at 19:30 on Monday, launching ash clouds and lava up to 13km into the air, and a third eruption occurred at 05:53 on Tuesday at a reduced intensity.

Videos circulating online depict streams of red-hot lava flowing from the mountain while locals scramble to leave in their vehicles. The local disaster management agency reports that over 4,000 individuals have been evacuated, yet many who remained are now facing shortages of water, food, and masks. Paulus Sony Sang Tukan, who represents the nearby Pululera village about 8km from the volcano, has raised alarms about the availability and quality of water, which may have been contaminated by thick volcanic ash.

As the eruption continues with secondary explosions and shifting ash clouds to the west and north, local authorities stress the urgency of active emergency response efforts for affected communities. The region lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," known for its frequent seismic activity, including earthquakes and volcano eruptions. Despite the ongoing eruptions this year, no casualties have been reported, but previous eruptions—like one last November—resulted in ten fatalities and widespread displacements.

Notably, Lewotobi Laki-laki, which means "man" in Indonesian, is paired with a calmer and taller twin volcano named Perempuan, meaning "woman." The current volcanic activity continues to unfold, keeping residents and authorities in a state of high alert.