Indonesia’s Mt. Lewotobi erupts, disrupts Bali flights

International

MOUNT Lewotobi Laki-Laki, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, erupted on Tuesday, sending an ash cloud more than 11 kilometers into the sky that disrupted close to 40 flights.

The eruption occurred at 17:35 local time on the island of Flores, prompting authorities to raise the alert level to its highest designation. Residents have been advised to avoid activities within a 7-kilometer radius around the crater.

The volcanic activity has caused significant disruption to air travel, particularly to and from Bali, located west of Flores.

Airlines including Air India, Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Juneyao Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Virgin Australia have cancelled multiple flights, a report by BBC stated.

Late Wednesday, flight data from Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport showed that over 37 flights had been affected.

Domestic AirAsia flights departing for Flores were also cancelled.

While no casualties have been reported, officials have warned of potential lahar floods—mudflows caused by volcanic debris mixing with heavy rainfall—that could pose further hazards. Residents have been urged to wear face masks to minimize exposure to volcanic ash.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency has confirmed that at least one village has been evacuated, with ash rain affecting several others outside the designated exclusion zone. Ongoing tremors detected near the volcano indicate sustained activity, reinforcing the call for residents to seek safer areas.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki last erupted in May, prompting a similar elevation in alert levels. It is one of two twin-peaked volcanoes; its counterpart, Perempuan, is taller and comparatively quieter. Indonesia, situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," frequently experiences volcanic eruptions and earthquakes due to shifting tectonic plates.

The volcano previously erupted multiple times in November, leading to nine fatalities and the displacement of thousands. Authorities remain on high alert as they monitor further developments and assess potential risks to surrounding communities.(Edu Sanico Toledo, PIT Comm. Intern)