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Major Eruption at Lewotobi Laki-Laki
The Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano on Indonesia's Flores Island erupted violently today, sending volcanic material 18 kilometers into the atmosphere. Pyroclastic flows accompanied the eruption, while volcanic ash descended on surrounding villages. Indonesia's Geological Agency confirmed no immediate casualties.
Heightened Alert Status
Volcanic monitoring authorities had elevated Lewotobi Laki-Laki's alert status to the highest level last month, establishing a 7-kilometer exclusion zone around the volcano. This precaution followed increased eruptive frequency at this highly active stratovolcano.
Recent Eruptive History
The volcano claimed nine lives in November 2024 during another major eruption. More recently in March 2025, an ash plume stretching 1 kilometer high disrupted air traffic to Bali, cancelling dozens of flights. Just three weeks ago on June 17, another powerful eruption produced an 11-kilometer ash column that claimed one life.
Geological Context
Lewotobi is a twin volcano complex consisting of Lewotobi Laki-Laki ("Male") and Lewotobi Perempuan ("Female"). Located in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province, it forms part of the Pacific Ring of Fire where tectonic plate subduction creates intense seismic and volcanic activity. Indonesia hosts 127 active volcanoes - more than any other country.
