Indonesia’s Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano erupted on Thursday night, sending ash clouds more than 8 kilometers (5 miles) high and prompting authorities to raise the alert status to the highest level.
The eruption in East Nusa Tenggara province followed dozens of smaller eruptions since March 13, according to the national geological agency.
A disaster mitigation agency spokesperson reported that one person was injured during evacuation efforts, though details on the scale of evacuations remain unclear.
Flight Cancellations and Disruptions
Due to the volcanic ash, Jetstar, the low-cost subsidiary of Qantas Airways, canceled flights between Australia and Bali on Friday morning, though operations were expected to resume later in the day.
A Bali airport spokesperson confirmed that the airport remained operational, but seven international flights were canceled, and some domestic flights experienced delays.
Previous Eruptions and Ongoing Risks
The Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano erupted in November 2023, resulting in the deaths of at least nine people and the evacuation of thousands after lava and hot rocks struck nearby villages. Authorities had planned to permanently relocate affected residents, but it is unclear how many were impacted by Thursday’s eruption.
The geological agency has warned of possible lava floods and reported smaller eruptions on Friday morning.
Indonesia, home to nearly 130 active volcanoes, is situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a region of high seismic activity caused by shifting tectonic plates.
Source: Reuters
