Massive Eruption Rocks Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Volcano

Indonesia In a powerful display of nature’s force, the Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano in Indonesia’s East Flores district erupted dramatically on Monday, sending a towering plume of ash nearly 10 kilometers (32,800 feet) into the sky. This breathtaking eruption, visible from miles away, caused panic among nearby residents and prompted immediate safety alerts from local authorities.

The eruption began in the early hours, with rumbling sounds followed by a giant mushroom cloud of ash and smoke rising from the mountain’s peak. The Mount Lewotobi volcano is actually part of a twin volcano complex — the “Laki-Laki” meaning “male” and its neighboring peak “Perempuan” meaning “female” — both considered sacred and feared by local communities.

Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) raised the alert level for the volcano and restricted access to areas within a 3-kilometer radius. According to volcanologists, volcanic ash may pose significant health risks, especially to those with respiratory conditions, and could disrupt flights in the region. As a precaution, flights around East Nusa Tenggara were being rerouted or delayed, while local fishermen and farmers were warned to avoid working near the base of the mountain.

Eyewitnesses described the eruption as terrifying yet strangely beautiful. Villagers from nearby settlements could be seen filming the ash column with mobile phones before quickly seeking shelter. “It felt like the earth was roaring,” said Anton, a farmer who lives in a village just 5 kilometers away. “We’ve seen smoke before, but never something this big. We just prayed and ran.”

The National Disaster Management Agency of Indonesia (BNPB) confirmed no immediate injuries or casualties but reported ashfall across several villages. Emergency supplies including masks, drinking water, and food have been dispatched to affected areas. Temporary shelters are being prepared in case evacuations are necessary.

Mount Lewotobi last erupted significantly in 2019, and scientists had observed an increase in seismic activity over the past few weeks. Experts believe that this eruption could either be a standalone event or part of a larger series of volcanic activity. Indonesia, located along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is no stranger to such events, with more than 120 active volcanoes across the archipelago.

Authorities are urging people to remain calm but vigilant. “We are closely monitoring the volcano’s activity and ready to act if the situation worsens,” said a spokesperson from the PVMBG. He further advised wearing masks, staying indoors when ash is in the air, and following updates from official channels only.

As of now, life around Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is at a standstill — roads are quieter, skies are grey, and the community is on edge. But even in the shadow of a volatile mountain, resilience runs deep. The people of East Flores know the rhythm of their land well, and they are bracing for whatever nature may bring next.