Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano erupted on Thursday night, sending a massive ash cloud over 8km (5 miles) into the sky and causing widespread flight disruptions. The eruption, which began at 10:56pm local time on Flores Island, produced a thick grey-black ash column, prompting emergency alerts for locals and tourists.
Flights, including Jetstar’s services to Bali, were cancelled due to the ash cloud, with seven international flights and several domestic routes affected. While flights are expected to resume, Indonesia’s volcanology agency has advised against any activity within 7-8km (4.4-5 miles) of the volcano and warned of possible volcanic mudflows due to heavy rainfall.
Also Read: Nationwide Airport Strike in Germany Cancels Hundreds of Flights, Disrupts Travel
Despite the disruptions, no immediate damage to nearby villages has been reported, although the volcano’s alert level has been raised to its highest. This eruption follows a deadly event in November 2024, which killed 10 people and displaced thousands.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with the eruption underscoring the region’s volcanic activity and the ongoing threat to air travel.
