Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Erupts Again, Disrupts Flights, No Casualties

Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano erupted violently again, sending ash 18 kilometers into the sky and triggering hot gas avalanches, with no immediate casualties reported. The eruption disrupted air travel, leading to cancellations and delays of multiple international flights between Australia and Bali, including Virgin Australia, Qantas, and Jetstar services. Authorities have raised the volcano's alert status to the highest level and expanded exclusion zones due to increased activity, following a deadly eruption in November that killed nine people and forced evacuations. The volcano, located on the tourist island of Flores and part of a twin volcanic system, remains closely monitored due to its position on Indonesia’s seismically active Ring of Fire. The ongoing volcanic activity continues to affect local communities with ashfall and raises concerns about potential hazardous lahar floods if heavy rain occurs. Airlines and meteorologists are maintaining vigilant monitoring to ensure passenger safety amid these disruptions.