Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Erupts: Red Alert Issued Over Volcanic Ash Cloud

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a volcano located on Indonesia’s Flores Island, erupted twice on May 19, 2025, sending ash clouds soaring up to 0.7 miles (1.1 km) above its peak. The Indonesian authorities raised the volcano’s alert status to the highest level amid warnings of a potentially more severe eruption. The eruption poses significant health, environmental, and aviation risks, prompting the issuance of a red alert by the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) in Darwin, Australia.

Why in News?

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted on May 19, 2025, after a series of volcanic activities that began the previous day. Indonesia’s geological agency raised the volcano’s alert status to Level 4 (maximum) due to increased seismic activity. The VAAC in Darwin issued a red alert, signaling significant ash emission and potential disruption to aviation.

Key Details

• Volcano Name: Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki (Laki-Laki means “man” in Indonesian).
• Location: Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.
• Twin Volcano: Paired with Mount Lewotobi Perempuan (“woman”), which is taller but currently calmer.
• Height: 5,197 feet (Laki-Laki) and 5,587 feet (Perempuan).
• Date of Major Eruption: May 19, 2025, with ash reaching 1.1 km (0.7 miles) above peak.
• Previous Eruptions: Notable eruptions in November 2024 killed nine people and led to flight disruptions.

Warnings & Safety Measures

Residents advised to,

• Wear face masks to avoid inhalation of ash.
• Avoid entering a 3-mile radius around the crater.
• Risk of lahars (volcanic mudflows) if heavy rain occurs.

Aviation and International Impact

• VAAC Red Alert: Signals major ash emissions and potential hazards for aircraft.
• In past eruptions, ash clouds disrupted international flights to Bali and forced mass evacuations.

Geological Context

• Indonesia lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a hotspot for volcanic and seismic activity.
• The country is home to more than 130 active volcanoes, the most of any nation globally.