22-3-2025 (JAKARTA) Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano, nestled in Indonesia’s south-central region, has roared back to life with unprecedented vigour. The twin peak, which shares its majestic presence with Mount Lewotobi Perempuan in Flores Timur district, unleashed a trio of explosive eruptions, catapulting volcanic ash a staggering 8,000 metres into the atmosphere.
The heightened volcanic activity has sent ripples of concern across the region, particularly following November’s tragic eruption that claimed nine lives and left numerous others injured. Local authorities have responded by implementing stringent safety measures, including an expansion of the exclusion zone to eight kilometres from the crater’s edge.
The volcanic disturbance has created significant disruption to air travel, with several carriers forced to cancel their Australian routes to Bali. The popular holiday destination has experienced widespread flight delays, affecting both domestic and international services.
Residents of Larantuka and Maumere, situated between 50 and 85 kilometres from the volcanic site, reported hearing thunderous explosions on Thursday evening. The volcano’s monitoring stations across Flores island have documented intensive seismic activity, according to Muhammad Wafid, who heads Indonesia’s Geology Agency.
The volcanic spectacle has manifested in various forms, with observers noting weak to moderate smoke emissions around the crater and an ominous firelight at the summit, indicating the proximity of magmatic material to the surface. The geological authorities have issued particular warnings about the possibility of heavy rainfall triggering volcanic mudflows along the mountain’s river systems.
This latest volcanic episode underscores Indonesia’s position along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a geological feature that defines this nation of 270 million inhabitants.
