Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano, located in southeastern Flores Island, erupted, sending ash clouds over 8 kilometers (5 miles) into the atmosphere.

This disruption led to flight cancellations and the highest emergency warnings issued for residents and tourists.

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation in Indonesia advised locals and visitors to avoid areas within 7-8 kilometers (4.4-5 miles) of the eruption’s southwest and northeast sectors.

The agency reported that the ash column appeared gray to black and was of significant intensity, with the eruption starting at 10:56 PM local time on Thursday (14:56 GMT).

While there were no immediate reports of damage to nearby villages, the agency cautioned residents about the risk of volcanic mudflows due to heavy rainfall. The prolonged eruption prompted authorities to raise the volcano’s alert level to the highest tier in their four-tiered system.

A low-cost subsidiary of Australia’s Qantas Airways, Jetstar, canceled flights from Australia to Bali due to the ash, although operations at Bali’s airport continued despite the cancellation of seven international flights and delays in domestic services.

Following the eruption, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning, which ultimately did not occur.

This volcano had previously erupted in November, resulting in at least 10 fatalities and the displacement of thousands.

Read more

Alert level raised following deadly eruption of Indonesia’s mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki

Rescuers evacuate 3,000 residents near Indonesia’s Mount Ibu after volcanic eruption

Volcanic ashes in Bali disrupts flight operations