Indonesia’s Lewotobi Volcano Erupts Again, Triggering Volcanic Ashfall

Indonesia’s Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano erupted for the second consecutive day on Saturday. The eruption sent an ash column soaring as high as 19.5 kilometers (12.1 miles) above sea level.

the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation reported the ash plume extended approximately 18 kilometers (11.2 miles) from the summit. Authorities issued a warning about potential cold lava floods following the recent activity.

Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties from this latest eruption. Officials have advised residents and visitors to maintain a safe distance of at least six to seven kilometers (3.7 to 4.3 miles) from the volcano.

This volcano, located in the Flores Timur district, saw a deadly eruption in November that claimed at least nine lives and injured dozens. Lewotobi Laki-Laki stands at 1,584 meters (5,197 feet) and is part of a dual volcanic system with Mount Lewotobi Perempuan.

Indonesia is situated along the Ring of Fire, a region known for its seismic activity. The country is home to 120 active volcanoes.

Separately,Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency is monitoring several fire hotspots in West Kalimantan province,near the Malaysian border. these fires have covered 1,149 hectares as of Thursday.

Authorities are utilizing satellite data and air patrols to track the affected areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano known for?
  

  the Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano is known for its recent eruptions, including a notable event in November that resulted in fatalities. it is part of Indonesia’s seismically active Ring of Fire.

• What precautions are being taken after the eruption?
  

  Authorities have warned of potential cold lava floods and are urging people to stay at least six to seven kilometers away from the volcano. Air patrols and satellite monitoring are also in place for nearby fires.

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

What are the potential impacts of volcanic ashfall on air travel in the region?

Recent Eruption Details & Impact

Indonesia’s Lewotobi volcano, located on Lembata Island in the east Nusa Tenggara province, has erupted again on August 3, 2025, sending a towering ash plume into the sky. This follows a period of increased volcanic activity,including previous eruptions in July 2024 and ongoing alerts. The latest eruption has triggered significant volcanic ashfall across surrounding areas,impacting local communities and air travel.

Eruption Height: The ash plume reached an estimated height of 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) above the summit.

Ashfall Distribution: Reports indicate ashfall impacting villages on Lembata island, as well as possibly affecting neighboring islands. The extent of ashfall is dependent on wind direction.

Alert Level: The Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center (PVMBG) has maintained the alert level at Level III (Siaga), indicating an eruption is ongoing and a potential for further activity.

Seismic Activity: Increased seismic activity continues to be recorded, signaling ongoing magma movement beneath the volcano.

Affected Areas & Evacuations

the primary impact zone remains Lembata Island. Local authorities have initiated evacuation procedures for residents living within a 5-kilometer radius of the Lewotobi crater.

Lembata Island: Several villages, including Wulandre, Haru, and Lamawolo, are experiencing heavy ashfall and are under evacuation orders.

East Nusa Tenggara Province: Neighboring islands are monitoring the situation closely,with potential for ashfall to disrupt daily life and agriculture.

Evacuation Centers: Temporary shelters have been established to accommodate evacuees, providing basic necessities like food, water, and medical assistance. The Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) is coordinating relief efforts.

Population Impact: Approximately 6,600 residents are directly affected by the eruption and evacuation orders.

Air Travel Disruptions & Safety Concerns

The volcanic ash poses a significant hazard to aviation. Volcanic ash can damage aircraft engines and reduce visibility.

Flight Cancellations: Several domestic flights to and from airports in East Nusa Tenggara, including Maumere (MOF) and Kupang (KOE), have been temporarily suspended or rerouted.

NOTAM Issued: A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued, warning pilots of the volcanic ash cloud and advising them to avoid the affected airspace.

Ash Cloud Monitoring: The Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) in Darwin, Australia, is closely monitoring the ash cloud’s movement and providing updates to airlines.

Airline Recommendations: Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight data and potential disruptions.

Health Impacts of Volcanic Ash

Exposure to volcanic ash can cause various health problems, notably for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Respiratory Issues: Inhalation of volcanic ash can irritate the lungs and cause coughing, shortness of breath, and exacerbation of asthma.

Eye Irritation: Ash particles can cause eye irritation, redness, and discomfort.

Skin Irritation: Prolonged contact with ash can lead to skin irritation and dryness.

Water Contamination: Ashfall can contaminate water sources, making them unsafe for drinking.

Protective Measures: Residents are advised to wear masks (N95 respirators are most effective), goggles, and protective clothing to minimize exposure.

Lewotobi Volcano: Background & History

Lewotobi is a twin volcano, consisting of Lewotobi Laki-laki (male) and Lewotobi Perempuan (female). It is part of the Sunda Arc, a highly volcanically active region.

Volcanic Arc: the Sunda Arc is formed by the subduction of the Indo-Australian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate.

Ancient Eruptions: Lewotobi has a history of frequent eruptions, with notable events occurring in 1939, 1969, and more recently in 2022 and 2024.

Volcanic Monitoring: The PVMBG continuously monitors Lewotobi for signs of increased activity, utilizing seismographs, gas sensors, and visual observations.

Geological Significance: Studying Lewotobi’s eruptions provides valuable insights into volcanic processes and helps improve hazard assessment and mitigation strategies.

Practical Tips for Travelers & Residents

Staying informed and prepared is crucial during volcanic activity.

Monitor Official Sources: Regularly check updates from the PVMBG (https://magma.esdm.go.id/), BNPB (https://bnpb.go.id/), and local authorities.