Volcanic Chaos: Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki Erupts, Triggering Evacuations and Grounding Bali Flights
A powerful eruption from Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano in eastern Indonesia has forced widespread evacuations and caused significant disruption to air travel, including numerous flight cancellations to and from the popular tourist island of Bali. The volcano spewed a massive ash cloud high into the atmosphere, prompting authorities to raise the alert level to the highest tier.
Located on Flores Island in the district of Flores Timur, Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki unleashed giant ash and smoke plumes multiple times on Tuesday and Wednesday. A particularly strong eruption on Tuesday afternoon sent thick, gray clouds soaring up to 32,800 feet (10,000 meters) into the sky. This expansive cloud formed a distinctive mushroom shape and was visible from as far away as 93 miles (150 kilometers). Further eruptions between Tuesday evening and Wednesday afternoon sent ash plumes up to 16,400 feet (5,000 meters).
Highest Alert Level Issued Amidst Growing Danger Zone
In response to the escalating volcanic activity, Indonesia’s geological authorities raised the eruption alert level for Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki to Level 4, the highest on the country’s four-tier system, on Tuesday. The recommended danger zone, where people were advised to leave immediately, was expanded to 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the crater. Officers from the volcano’s monitoring post, situated just 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) away, were also evacuated to avoid hazards like falling gravel.
While no casualties were reported in these latest events, the eruption’s impact was felt by nearby communities. Volcanic ash and debris fell in several villages outside the immediate danger zone, including Boru, Hewa, and Watobuku. As a precautionary measure, at least one village was evacuated late on Tuesday. According to the National Disaster Management Agency, some residents from areas like Nurabelen village fled to temporary evacuation sites in Konga and Nileknoheng village, the latter being 7.4 miles (12 kilometers) from the crater. Reports indicate that no less than 450 families have been relocated to temporary housing equipped with essential facilities.
Flight Cancellations Cripple Air Travel, Including Bali Routes
The towering ash cloud posed a severe risk to aircraft engines, leading to the cancellation of dozens of flights on Wednesday. This significantly impacted air travel throughout the region, particularly affecting routes connecting to Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. The airport reported 32 total cancellations encompassing both domestic and international flights.
Major international airlines serving Bali were forced to halt services, including Jetstar, Virgin Australia (primarily affecting Australian routes), Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore’s Tigerair, and China’s Juneyao Airlines. Demonstrating the seriousness of the threat, an Air India flight en route from Delhi to Bali was reportedly ordered to turn back mid-flight. Flights to and from the international airport in Labuan Bajo, another key tourist hub on Flores Island and the gateway to Komodo National Park, also saw substantial cancellations, including domestic AirAsia services. The Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport in Maumere, closer to the volcano, was closed until Thursday morning.
These cancellations and delays affected thousands of travelers, disrupting holiday plans and causing logistical challenges. Airlines like Jetstar indicated they would reschedule services once the ash cloud was forecast to clear.
Understanding Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki and Indonesia’s Ring of Fire
Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, standing at 5,197 feet (1,584 meters), is part of a twin volcano system alongside the calmer Mount Lewotobi Perempuan (“Woman”). The volcano has a history of frequent activity. While there were no casualties reported in the most recent eruptions as of the reporting time, a previous eruption from the same volcano in November resulted in nine fatalities and dozens of injuries. It also erupted earlier in March.
Indonesia is an archipelago situated on the geologically volatile Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a horseshoe-shaped belt encircling the Pacific Basin known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. The country is home to 120 active volcanoes, making such events a recurring challenge.
Authorities continue to monitor Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki closely. Ongoing seismic tremors are being detected, suggesting continued activity. Officials have issued warnings about the potential for dangerous lahar floods – flows of volcanic mud and debris – particularly near rivers if heavy rain occurs. Residents and tourists in affected areas have been advised to avoid activities within at least 7 kilometers of the crater and to stay indoors to minimize exposure to volcanic ash, which can cause respiratory issues. Masks and protective eyewear are recommended for anyone venturing outside.
The current disruptions highlight the inherent natural volatility in areas like Bali and Flores, posing immediate financial repercussions for the tourism-dependent local economies and requiring robust contingency planning for future events.
