Indonesia is in a critical situation following the recent eruption of the Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano, located on the island of Flores. The event, which occurred on Tuesday, June 17, has generated great concern among the local population and authorities, who have raised the alert level to its maximum level given the magnitude of the phenomenon and the potential impact on neighboring communities.
The ash column, visible from dozens of kilometers away, reached heights not seen in the region for years. The incident has had immediate consequences for daily life in Flores and other nearby areas, with flight cancellations, extreme risk warnings, and intensive monitoring efforts by emergency agencies.
A volcano under constant surveillance
The eruption began in the early afternoon, according to reports from both the Indonesian Geological Survey and international media. The column of ash and volcanic gases was so dense that it reached an altitude of 11 kilometers, forcing authorities to expand the exclusion zone to a radius of up to 8 kilometers around the crater.
Official sources have reported that, although no victims or serious material damage have been reported so far,Strict control is maintained over residents and tourists to keep them away from the risk area. The general recommendation is to refrain from human activity within the perimeter of the volcano.
Lewotobi Laki-laki, with a height of 1.584 meters, is part of a system of twin volcanoes along with Lewotobi Perempuan, known for its activity and for being located in a region particularly prone to geological phenomena.
Recent impacts and worrying background
Volcanic activity on Lewotobi Laki-laki has been intense in recent months., with notable eruptive episodes in March and May, when ash emissions forced the cancellation of several flights to major tourist destinations such as Bali. On those occasions, the ash rose between 5,5 and 8 kilometers in height, causing logistical and health problems.
This is not the first time that the volcano has directly impacted life in Indonesia.In November of last year, a series of eruptions resulted in the deaths of nine people and the evacuation of thousands of residents. As if that weren't enough, the Merapi volcano, also in Indonesia, caused an additional tragedy in December 2023, with 23 deaths following its violent activity.
Now, authorities are particularly concerned about the risk of lahars or mudflows, especially if heavy rains occur.Experts emphasize the importance of residents remaining alert to potential river overflows and ash falls, which can affect respiratory health. The use of masks and avoidance of direct contact with volcanic material is recommended.
Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active areas on the planet. This archipelago is home to more than 400 volcanoes, of which at least 129 are active and 65 are considered dangerous.
Life in Indonesia is closely linked to the constant threat of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.In the Flores region alone, more than 84.000 people live within a 30-km radius of Lewotobi Laki-laki, and approximately 740.000 within a 100-km radius. Each year, the country experiences around 7.000 earthquakes, most of them minor, although some have devastating effects on the population and infrastructure.
The local response remains active following this latest eruption., with camps prepared and emergency protocols in place to act in case the volcano releases lava or ash on a large scale again.
The situation remains under constant surveillance, and residents remain attentive to the instructions of the authorities, who insist on not lowering their guard in the coming days. Dozens of technicians and civil protection teams are working on the ground, while the residents of Flores hope that the volcanic activity will soon subside so they can return to normal.