One of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes erupted multiple times on Friday, sending towering ash clouds into the atmosphere and forcing the temporary closure of a regional airport as authorities warned residents to remain alert.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located on Flores Island in eastern Indonesia, erupted at approximately 11:15 a.m. local time, producing an ash column that rose about 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) above the summit. The eruption followed several earlier explosive episodes during the same day, highlighting the volcano’s ongoing unrest.

Indonesia’s volcanology agency confirmed that volcanic activity remains elevated and continues to be closely monitored. The volcano is currently under the country’s second-highest alert level, reflecting the potential for further eruptions in the coming days or weeks.

Powerful Eruptions Force Airport Closure

The renewed volcanic activity prompted authorities to suspend operations at the regional airport in Maumere, located roughly 60 kilometers west of the volcano.

Airport officials confirmed that at least five domestic flights were affected by the ash cloud, which can pose a serious hazard to aircraft engines and flight operations. Volcanic ash is one of the most dangerous natural hazards for aviation, capable of causing engine failures and reducing visibility for pilots.

Authorities continue to monitor ash dispersion patterns to determine when normal flight operations can safely resume.

Five-Kilometer Exclusion Zone Remains in Effect

Emergency officials have maintained a five-kilometer exclusion zone around the volcano’s crater, warning residents and visitors to stay away from the immediate area.

Volcanologists caution that sudden explosive eruptions can eject hot volcanic rocks, ash, and gases without warning, creating life-threatening conditions near the summit.

Residents living near rivers descending from the volcano have also been advised to remain vigilant, particularly if heavy rainfall develops.

Risk of Dangerous Lahars

One of the major concerns following volcanic eruptions is the potential formation of lahars.

Lahars are fast-moving flows of volcanic mud, ash, rock fragments, and water that can travel many kilometers from a volcano. They often occur when heavy rainfall mixes with freshly deposited volcanic material on mountain slopes.

Authorities warned that communities located downstream from the volcano could face increased risks if significant rainfall occurs while large amounts of loose ash remain on the slopes.

A Volcano With a Recent History of Major Eruptions

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has experienced several significant eruptions in recent years.

Last July, the volcano produced a massive ash plume that reached approximately 18 kilometers into the atmosphere, disrupting air traffic across parts of Indonesia and forcing the cancellation of dozens of flights serving the popular tourist island of Bali.

The volcano stands approximately 1,584 meters (5,197 feet) tall and forms part of a twin volcanic complex alongside the neighboring Mount Lewotobi Perempuan. In Indonesian, “Laki-Laki” means “man,” while “Perempuan” means “woman.”

While Lewotobi Laki-Laki remains highly active, its neighboring twin volcano is generally much quieter.

Indonesia’s Position on the Ring of Fire

Indonesia is one of the most volcanically active countries in the world.

The nation sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a vast zone of tectonic plate boundaries that stretches around the Pacific Ocean and generates frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

The archipelago is home to more than 120 active volcanoes, making volcanic monitoring and emergency preparedness a critical part of daily life for millions of Indonesians.

Authorities Continue Monitoring Activity

Scientists continue to monitor Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki closely for signs of further escalation.

Although current activity remains below the highest alert level, officials warn that conditions can change rapidly and additional eruptions remain possible.

Residents in affected areas have been urged to follow official guidance and remain alert for updates from emergency management and volcanology agencies.