Volcanic Activity Intensifies: Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Ejects Thick Ash

Flores, East Nusa Tenggara — Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located in the southeastern part of Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), erupted once again on Friday night, June 20, 2025. The eruption occurred at 10:31 p.m. local time, producing an ash column that rose approximately 2 kilometers above the summit.

Head of the Geological Agency, Muhammad Wafid, reported that the dense volcanic ash was carried in a south to southwest direction. “The eruption was recorded with a maximum amplitude of 47.3 millimeters and lasted for about 2 minutes and 26 seconds,” Wafid stated in an official release shortly after the event.

The eruption was also accompanied by a loud boom, audible from the nearby monitoring post.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is currently under the highest alert level, Level IV (Warning), due to its ongoing volcanic activity. Local residents and visitors are strongly advised to avoid entering within a 7-kilometer radius of the crater. In addition, areas within an 8-kilometer range in the southwest-to-northeast sector are also considered hazardous.

Authorities further cautioned the public about the potential threat of lava floods (lahars) along rivers that originate from the volcano. “Remain vigilant in the areas of Dulipali, Padang Pasir, Nobo, Nurabelen, Klatanlo, Hokeng Jaya, Boru, and Nawakote,” Wafid warned.