Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupts in Indonesia, prompting alert level increase

Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located on Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara province, erupted, sending an ash column approximately 8 kilometers (26,000 feet) into the atmosphere. This significant volcanic activity prompted Indonesian authorities to elevate the volcano's alert status to its highest level and expand the designated danger zone surrounding the mountain.​

The eruption occurred late Thursday evening, with the ash plume reaching its peak height shortly thereafter. Communities in proximity to the volcano experienced the impact of the eruption, as ashfall affected daily activities. Residents in nearby villages were advised to wear masks to protect against respiratory issues and to remain indoors to minimize exposure to volcanic ash.

In response to the eruption, authorities expanded the exclusion zone around Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, urging residents and tourists to avoid the area due to potential hazards such as pyroclastic flows and lava emissions. Emergency services were placed on high alert to assist with potential evacuations and to provide aid to affected communities.​

The eruption also had significant implications for air travel in the region. The presence of volcanic ash in the atmosphere led to the cancellation of several flights, particularly those operating between Australia and Bali. Jetstar, a subsidiary of Qantas Airways, canceled Friday morning flights due to safety concerns but anticipated resuming operations later in the day. Similarly, Virgin Australia monitored the situation closely and advised passengers of potential delays and flight adjustments. ​

Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport remained operational; however, the eruption's impact led to the cancellation of seven international flights and delays in some domestic services. Airlines and aviation authorities continued to assess the situation, prioritizing passenger safety while striving to minimize travel disruptions.

Indonesia, situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," is home to nearly 130 active volcanoes, making volcanic activity a relatively common occurrence. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, standing at 1,584 meters (5,197 feet), is part of a twin-volcano complex alongside Mount Lewotobi Perempuan. The "Laki-Laki" and "Perempuan" designations translate to "male" and "female," respectively, reflecting local cultural interpretations of the volcanoes. ​

Prior to this event, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki exhibited increased seismic activity, with hundreds of earthquakes recorded between March 13 and March 20, 2025. This heightened activity served as a precursor to the eruption, allowing authorities to implement precautionary measures. Despite these efforts, one individual sustained injuries during evacuation procedures.

The recent eruption is reminiscent of a previous incident in November 2024, when Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted, resulting in at least nine fatalities and necessitating mass evacuations. In the aftermath, authorities had considered permanently relocating affected residents to safer areas. ​

As of March 21, 2025, volcanic activity at Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki began to show signs of decline. The volcano observation post in Wulangitang reported a decrease in seismic activity, indicating a potential stabilization of the situation. Nevertheless, authorities maintained heightened alert levels and continued to monitor the volcano closely, prepared to respond to any further developments.

The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki underscores the inherent geological challenges faced by Indonesia. The nation's location along the seismically active Pacific "Ring of Fire" necessitates robust disaster preparedness and responsive measures to safeguard communities and infrastructure from volcanic and seismic events.

In conclusion, the March 20, 2025, eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki had significant environmental and socio-economic impacts, affecting air travel and prompting emergency responses. The event serves as a reminder of Indonesia's dynamic geological landscape and the importance of vigilant monitoring and preparedness to mitigate the risks associated with volcanic activity.

Sources:

• https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/21/indonesias-volcano-erupts-alert-level-raised-and-flights-cancelled/
• https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/indonesias-mount-lewotobi-laki-laki-volcano-erupts-rcna197432
• https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fbusiness%2Faviation%2Fvolcanic-eruption-blows-up-bali-flight-schedules-due-to-safety-threat-from-ash-cloud%2Fnews-story%2F734b2879b8b581e73682b0c9cdc2347c&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=GROUPB-Segment-1-NOSCORE&V21spcbehaviour=append
• https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/21/bali-flights-cancelled-mount-lewotobi-laki-laki-volcano-eruption-flores
• https://apnews.com/article/indonesia-mount-lewotobi-laki-laki-volcano-eruption-c978b30ad4ce131e41fed493af636935