Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Erupts, Disrupting Flights
Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano, located on the southeastern Flores Island, unleashed a powerful eruption late Thursday night, spewing ash clouds over 5 miles into the sky, Al Jazeera reports.
The dramatic event has led to flight cancellations, prompted the highest level of emergency warnings for residents and tourists, and raised concerns about potential volcanic mudflows.
The eruption, which began at 10:56 pm local time Thursday (14:56 GMT), prompted Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation to issue a stark warning. The agency advised locals and visitors to avoid all activities within a 4.4-5 miles radius in the southwest and northeast sectors of the volcano.
While there were no immediate reports of damage to nearby villages, the agency cautioned residents to be vigilant due to the potential for volcanic mudflows triggered by heavy rainfall. In response to the extended eruption, the geological agency has elevated the volcano’s alert level to the highest level within their four-tiered system.
The eruption’s impact extended beyond the immediate vicinity of the volcano. Jetstar, Qantas Airways’ low-cost subsidiary, was forced to cancel flights from Australia to the popular Indonesian tourist destination of Bali on Friday morning. While flights were expected to resume by the afternoon, the cancellations caused disruption for travelers.
A spokesperson for Bali’s airport confirmed to Reuters that the airport remained operational, but acknowledged the impact of the eruption, citing seven cancelled international flights and delays to domestic routes.
Following the eruption, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning, which ultimately did not materialize.
The Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano has a history of recent activity. A previous eruption in November resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 10 people and displaced thousands from their homes, highlighting the volcano’s potential for devastation.
