Volcano Mount Lewotobi in Indonesia erupts once more, shooting massive ash clouds far distances
Indonesia's most active volcano, Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, has been causing disruptions and evacuations after a series of significant eruptions. Located on the remote island of Flores, the 1,584-meter (5,197-foot) volcano has been highly active since late 2023.
The latest eruption occurred on Saturday, August 7, 2025, sending volcanic materials and ash up to 18 kilometres (11 miles) into the sky. The eruption forced the delay or cancellation of dozens of flights at Bali's Ngurah Rai airport and covered roads and rice fields with thick, gray mud and rocks.
This eruption marked one of Indonesia's largest since 2010 when Mount Merapi, another active volcano, erupted on the densely populated island of Java. In fact, the eruption on Saturday followed an eruption on Friday evening, sending ash up to 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) high.
The Indonesian government has doubled the exclusion zone around Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki to a seven-kilometer (4.3-mile) radius, and the volcano has been at the highest alert level since its eruption on June 18. The country's Geology Agency recorded an avalanche of searing gas clouds, rocks, and lava traveling up to five kilometres (three miles) down the slopes of the mountain.
Drone observations showed deep movement of magma, setting off tremors that registered on seismic monitors. The agency also warned residents about heavy rainfall that could trigger lava flows in rivers originating from the volcano.
Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki's recent eruptive phase has been more frequent, with thousands of residents being permanently relocated due to a series of eruptions that killed nine people and destroyed thousands of homes in November 2024.
It's important to note that Indonesia is located along the "Ring of Fire," a horseshoe-shaped series of seismic fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin. This geographical location contributes to the country's frequent seismic activity and the presence of 120 active volcanoes.
Despite the ongoing eruptions, the Indonesian authorities are maintaining vigilant monitoring and safety measures to protect local populations. The eruptive activity continues to pose a significant hazard, and the public is advised to stay informed and heed any warnings issued by the authorities.
- In the midst of these frequent eruptions at Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, it might be wise to consider diversifying travel plans to less volcanic regions, such as exploring the wonders of science, health-and-wellness, or environmental-science instead.
- On a different note, the awe-inspiring field of space-and-astronomy offers endless opportunities for exploration, an alternative non-earthbound escape from the ongoing volcanic activities in Indonesia.
