Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano erupts in Indonesia: ash column reaches 18 kilometres

The Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province has erupted once again, sending an ash plume soaring to 18 kilometres and blanketing nearby villages.

According to Indonesia’s Geological Agency, the volcano first became active yesterday, spewing ash up to 10 kilometres high. By this morning, however, the eruption had intensified, with the ash column rising to 18 kilometres.

Preliminary reports indicate that there have been no casualties. Authorities have urged tourists to stay away from the area. Following the 18 June eruption, the alert level for the volcano was raised to its highest, and the exclusion zone was extended to seven kilometres.

Standing at 1,584 metres, Lewotobi Laki-Laki is known locally as one of the “twin volcanoes”, alongside Lewotobi Perempuan.

Located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, Indonesia is home to nearly 130 active volcanoes. The last major eruption of Lewotobi Laki-Laki in November 2024 left nine people dead and dozens injured.

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