Volcanic eruption in Indonesia spews a six-mile high plume of ash
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a volcano located on the tourist island of Flores in Indonesia, has been actively erupting since late 2023, causing significant disruptions and concerns. The latest eruptions, which occurred in July and August 2025, have produced large ash plumes reaching heights of up to 18 kilometers (11 miles), pyroclastic flows traveling as far as 5 kilometers (3 miles) down the slopes, and avalanches of hot gas and volcanic debris reaching 3 miles from the crater.
The eruption, which took place at 20:48 pm (1248 GMT), has deposited thick volcanic ash over nearby villages, prompting authorities to maintain the highest alert level and impose an exclusion zone extending 4.3 miles (7 km) from the volcano. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant and keep at least 6 km (3.7 miles) away from the volcano, especially during heavy rain, as potential hazards include the risk of lahars (dangerous volcanic mudflows) and pyroclastic flows.
Authorities have also warned of the threat from ashfall and volcanic debris avalanches. Lahar floods, a type of mud or debris flow of volcanic materials, pose a particular risk to communities near rivers. Notably, the volcanic activity has been visually dramatic, with glowing lava, lightning within ash plumes, and fiery night eruptions.
The eruptions have impacted regional air travel, with flight cancellations reported in Bali and surrounding areas due to ash clouds from the volcano. Tourism on Flores and nearby regions is likely affected by both safety restrictions and disruptions caused by the volcanic activity, although no casualties have been reported. Local communities have adapted better to frequent eruptions over recent years, improving disaster risk minimization measures.
Indonesia, where Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is located, experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire". The volcano stands 1,584 meters high and is twinned with the calmer Perempuan, a 1,703-meter volcano.
Despite the ongoing eruptions, no specific information has been provided about the potential impact on tourism on the island of Flores. The geological agency head, Muhammad Wafid, has warned of the possibility of hazardous lahar floods if heavy rain occurs. As of now, there were no immediate reports of damages or casualties. There were also no immediate reports of cancelled flights after Friday's eruption.
[1] Indonesian Volcanology Agency (2025). Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Eruption Update. Retrieved from https://www.vsi.esdm.go.id/
[2] BBC News (2025). Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Erupts on Flores Island, Indonesia. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-62781461
[3] Reuters (2025). Dramatic Eruptions of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Light Up Flores Island. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/indonesia/dramatic-eruptions-mount-lewotobi-laki-laki-light-up-flores-island-2025-08-01/
- While the volcanic activity at Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki poses a risk to local tourism due to safety restrictions and flight cancellations, the potential impact on international science sectors such as environmental-science, space-and-astronomy, and health-and-wellness could also be significant, as the eruptions provide unique opportunities for observing volcanic processes and studying the effects of ashfall on human health.
- The ongoing eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia serves as a stark reminder of the complex interactions between the environmental-science, health-and-wellness, and international science communities, as governments, research institutions, and aid organizations consider their responses to the potential risks and benefits presented by this volatile situation.
