Flights to and from Indonesia’s popular tourist destination Bali were heavily disrupted after Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki (volcano) erupted on Tuesday, sending a towering column of ash over 11 kilometers into the sky at 17:35 local time (15:35 PST).
Indonesia’s volcanology agency raised the alert to its highest level, urging residents to stay at least 7 kilometers away from the crater. The eruption, while dramatic, has not resulted in any reported casualties so far.
Over 37 flights were canceled at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, with international carriers including Air India, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines, and Air New Zealand suspending operations. Several domestic AirAsia flights to nearby Flores were also grounded.
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Authorities warned of potential lahar floods, volcanic mudflows, if heavy rainfall occurs. Residents in surrounding villages reported ash fall, and at least one village was evacuated as a precaution. The public has been advised to wear masks to avoid inhaling volcanic particles.
Geological agency chief Muhammad Wafid noted that seismic activity around the volcano is ongoing, indicating continued risk of further eruptions. Tremors continue to be detected, signaling that the situation remains volatile.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located on the island of Flores, is among Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. Its last major eruption in November claimed nine lives. Indonesia lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region prone to frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.


