A powerful volcanic eruption in eastern Indonesia has forced the evacuation of residents and triggered widespread disruption to air travel across Southeast Asia.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located on Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara province, erupted violently on Tuesday, sending a massive ash column more than 11 kilometers (36,000 feet) into the sky. A second eruption early Wednesday continued to release volcanic ash and debris, prompting Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation to raise the alert level to its highest Level 4.
Local authorities ordered the immediate evacuation of residents from several villages surrounding the volcano, including Boru, Hewa, Watobuku, and Nurabelen. Emergency services are assisting in relocating affected populations to designated shelters as ash fall, volcanic gravel, and the risk of pyroclastic flows pose serious threats to life and property.
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is coordinating relief efforts and distributing protective masks, food supplies, and emergency kits to evacuees.
“We are prioritizing the safety of residents and continuously monitoring volcanic activity. Our teams are on the ground and ready to respond to any escalation,” said a spokesperson from BNPB.
The eruption has had a major impact on regional air travel. Authorities shut down Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport in Maumere, the closest airport to the volcano, through at least Thursday, June 19.
Several international flights bound for Indonesia were canceled or diverted, affecting major airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Jetstar, Qantas, Air India, and Air New Zealand. An Air India flight en route to Bali was forced to turn back to Delhi mid-air due to unsafe flying conditions caused by the ash cloud.
Indonesia sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and is home to more than 120 active volcanoes, making it one of the most seismically active regions in the world. Mount Lewotobi, part of a twin-volcano complex, has erupted multiple times in recent years, with a deadly eruption in November 2024 claiming nine lives.
Volcanologists warn that further eruptions are possible, and additional evacuations may be necessary if volcanic activity intensifies.
The Indonesian government continues to urge residents to avoid the danger zone and follow all official guidance. Aviation authorities are monitoring ash dispersal patterns and will determine when flights can safely resume.
Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for updates, and residents near other active volcanoes in the region have been reminded to remain vigilant.
