In brief
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia has erupted violently, releasing a massive ash cloud and leading officials to declare the highest state of alert. Residents are advised to evacuate and observe safety measures as tremors indicate ongoing activity.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, one of Indonesia's most volatile volcanoes, erupted on Tuesday at 17:35 local time (10:35 BST), releasing an ash cloud that soared over 11 kilometers into the sky and prompting the country to issue its highest alert level. The eruption took place on the tourist island of Flores, leading authorities to establish a 7-kilometer exclusion zone around the volcano's crater, which stands at 1,584 meters (about one mile) high.While there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries, the volcano's recent history is concerning. Multiple eruptions occurred last November, resulting in nine fatalities and forcing thousands to evacuate. The ash spewing from the crater caused several flight cancellations as well.Muhammad Wafid, head of the country's geological agency, cautioned against any activities within the restricted 7-kilometer range, highlighting the risk of lahars—volcanic debris flows—especially if heavy rainfall follows. Residents living near the volcano have also been advised to wear face masks to mitigate the effects of volcanic ash.The National Disaster Mitigation Agency has reported that at least one village has already been evacuated as precautionary measures. Ash rain has fallen in other villages beyond the imposed exclusion zone. With ongoing tremors still being registered, authorities are urging those in the vicinity to seek safer locations.This latest eruption comes after the volcano's last activity in May, when similar alerts were issued. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, whose name translates to "man" in Indonesian, is part of a twin-peaked system that includes the taller but less active peak, Lewotobi Perempuan, meaning "woman."
