JAKARTA, Indonesia – Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in eastern Indonesia erupted Friday, August 1, spewing a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) column of ash. This follows a similar eruption four weeks prior that grounded dozens of flights to Bali.
- Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted on Aug. 1, 2025.
- The volcano expelled an ash column reaching 10 km high.
- A previous eruption in July caused 24 flight cancellations to Bali.
- Authorities have advised avoiding a 6 km radius around the volcano.
The volcano, situated on the tourist island of Flores, became active at 8:48 p.m. local time. The national volcanology agency reported the ash plume reached an estimated 10,000 meters (32,808 feet) above the summit.
Volcanic Activity and Warnings
According to the agency’s chief, Muhammad Wafid, recent gas accumulation likely triggered the latest eruption. He cautioned about the potential for lahars—dangerous mudflows of volcanic material—especially if heavy rains occur near riverbeds.
As of now, no damage or casualties have been reported. Wafid stressed that tourists and locals must steer clear of any activity within a 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) radius of the volcano.
Images shared by the geological agency depicted a volcanic flash illuminating the smoke plume at the volcano’s summit.
Impact on Air Travel
Last month, a powerful eruption sent ash up to 18 kilometers (11 miles) into the sky. This event led to the cancellation of 24 flights at Bali International Airport. Following Friday’s eruption, there have been no reported flight postponements or cancellations.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, meaning “man” in Indonesian, is adjacent to a taller, more serene volcano named Lewotobi Perempuan, or “woman,” which stands at 1,703 meters (5,587 feet).
Indonesia, an archipelago nation, experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its location along the Pacific’s “Ring of Fire.”
