Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupts again, sends ash 18 km high into the sky

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Erupts Again, Sends Ash 18 km High (Image: AP)

The skies over eastern Indonesia turned grey on Monday morning. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted once again, sending thick ash into the sky. Villages below were quickly blanketed in soot.

Ash and Fire Rain Down on Villages

According to Indonesia’s Geology Agency, the volcano hurled ash 18 kilometres high. Pyroclastic flows followed, rolling down the slopes with intense heat. Despite the scale, no casualties were reported.

Officials have kept watch on the volcano since June. That month, a strong eruption prompted the alert status to rise to its highest level. The exclusion zone was extended to seven kilometres.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki spews volcanic materials during an eruption in East Flores, Indonesia, Monday, July 7, 2025. (Image: AP)

A Volatile Past and Ongoing Risk

The volcano has seen several recent eruptions. A deadly one in November claimed nine lives. Another occurred in March this year. It rises 1,584 meters and sits next to Mount Lewotobi Perempuan.

Both are located in the Flores Timur district of Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province. The area, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, is prone to quakes and eruptions.

Indonesia has over 120 active volcanoes. The nation’s location between shifting tectonic plates makes it especially vulnerable to seismic events.

Authorities have warned locals and visitors to stay away. The risk of further eruptions remains, and people are urged to follow official safety advice.