JAKARTA, Indonesia — Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, a volcano on Indonesia's Flores island that killed nine people in an eruption last year, has erupted again, spewing a towering column of ash up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) into the sky and prompting authorities to issue a 6-kilometer exclusion zone.
According to the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), the powerful eruption occurred on Friday evening, August 1, 2025, following a buildup of volcanic gases over the preceding weeks. The dramatic event was also accompanied by volcanic lightning, a phenomenon caused by friction within the ash cloud.
While there have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage, the eruption is a stark reminder of the volcano's continued volatility. The PVMBG has warned residents and tourists to stay at least 6 kilometers away from the crater. This latest eruption is the continuation of a highly active period for the volcano, which has been at its highest alert level since an eruption in June 2025.
The recent activity follows a series of significant eruptions this year. In June and July, the volcano repeatedly erupted, with ash plumes reaching as high as 18 kilometers (11 miles) and causing flight cancellations and delays at airports, including those in Bali. In November of last year, a series of explosive eruptions from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki tragically killed nine people and injured dozens, forcing thousands of residents to be permanently relocated.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki is part of a twin volcano system with Mount Lewotobi Perempuan (meaning "man" and "woman" in Indonesian) on the remote island of Flores. Its frequent and unpredictable activity highlights Indonesia's position on the "Ring of Fire," a major seismic belt that encircles the Pacific Ocean. This region is home to over 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia alone, making it one of the most geologically active nations on Earth. The continuous movement of tectonic plates in this area creates immense pressure and leads to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
The ongoing situation serves as a critical test for Indonesia's disaster preparedness and monitoring systems. Officials continue to monitor seismic activity and are prepared to escalate warnings if the situation deteriorates. Residents in nearby villages have been advised to be vigilant, especially for the risk of lahars (volcanic mudflows) that could be triggered by heavy rainfall mixing with volcanic debris.
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