Mount Lewotobi Laki‑Laki, a prominent volcano on Indonesia’s Flores Island, erupted once more on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, ejecting a colossal ash plume over 11 km (approximately 36,000 ft) into the atmosphere, according to the Indonesian volcanology agency . This dramatic event has ignited heightened safety warnings, prompted local evacuations, and forced air travel to a standstill in affected regions.
The eruption was among the most intense in recent memory, registering about 50 explosive bursts within a mere two-hour period, dwarfing the usual daily activity of 8 to 10 eruptions . The resulting mushroom-shaped cloud, visible up to 150 km away, blanketed nearby villages in dense ash . This sudden upsurge in volcanic activity has driven authorities to escalate the volcano’s alert level to the top of the four-tiered system, signaling a state of maximum danger .
Official advisories now strongly urge communities, tourists, and local authorities to maintain a safe distance of at least 7 km from the crater—extending to 8 km in some sectors—due to the elevated risk of pyroclastic flows and ashfall . Additionally, experts warn that heavy rains could trigger lahars—muddy volcanic debris flows—posing a serious flood risk for river valleys and downstream settlement.
While no fatalities were confirmed in this eruption, the impact has been significant. At least one village has been evacuated, and residents in surrounding areas have been advised to wear masks to protect against fine ash particulates . Emergency teams and disaster agencies remain on constant alert, closely monitoring the situation amid ongoing tremors.
The eruption’s disruption has extended to air travel, especially in the Bali region, where ash particles pose severe hazards to aircraft operations. Several flights have been canceled, and aviation authorities have issued red alerts. Major carriers including Air India, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, and AirAsia have reported delays or cancellations, while Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport faced near-term shutdowns . Airspace closures of smaller regional airports were also enforced .
This volcanic episode is the latest in a series of eruptions at Lewotobi Laki‑Laki. Following a deadly event in November 2024 that claimed nine lives, the volcano exhibited renewed activity in March and May 2025, prompting heightened alert levels and disrupting flights to Bali . The twin-peaked complex—comprising Laki‑Laki (the “male”) and Perempuan (the “female”)—is part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area notorious for seismic and volcanic volatility . Lewotobi Laki‑Laki, standing at 1,584 m, remains particularly active within the group .
Indonesian authorities, including the Geological Agency and National Disaster Mitigation Agency, continue to enforce exclusion zones, distribute safety equipment, and assist with evacuations. They emphasize vigilance, urging those in affected zones to heed official instructions, wear protective masks, and protect themselves against ash exposure. The looming threat of lahars—especially if heavy rains arrive—adds urgency to contingency planning .
As monitoring efforts intensify, volcano researchers worldwide are tracking seismic activity and ash dispersion patterns. With Indonesia home to over 120 active volcanoes, proactive monitoring has proven critical in mitigating volcanic hazards .
For residents, tourists, and aviation operators, safety remains the foremost concern. Observers stress ongoing readiness, alertness for updates, and compliance with exclusion advisories. In a region fraught with natural volatility, maintaining precautionary measures is essential to minimize risk and safeguard lives and livelihoods.
