Why in news?
In the early hours of 15 October 2025, Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki‑laki erupted dramatically, sending a column of ash roughly 10 kilometres into the sky. Authorities raised the volcano’s alert level to the maximum and evacuated communities within a 6–7 km radius amid fears of further eruptions and rain‑triggered mudflows.
Background
Mount Lewotobi comprises two stratovolcanoes—Lewotobi Laki‑laki (“male”) and Lewotobi Perempuan (“female”)—on Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The twin cones rise above densely populated villages and have long histories of intermittent eruptions.
- Recent activity: The volcanoes erupted in July and August 2025, disrupting flights. A major eruption in November 2024 killed ten people and damaged homes, underscoring the hazard posed by explosive ash plumes and pyroclastic flows.
- Geological context: Flores lies on the Sunda arc, where the Indo‑Australian Plate subducts beneath the Eurasian Plate. This tectonic setting produces frequent volcanic and seismic activity across Indonesia’s “Ring of Fire.”
- Hazards: Apart from ash falls that can smother crops and damage roofs, volcanic eruptions can generate lahars (mudflows) when heavy rains mix with ash deposits. Authorities often warn residents to keep rivers and drainage channels clear to reduce this risk.
Ongoing response
Indonesia’s Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Centre advised villagers and tourists to stay beyond the 6–7 km exclusion zone and to wear masks to avoid inhaling ash. Regional disaster agencies prepared evacuation shelters and stockpiled food, water and medical supplies. Officials also reminded residents to monitor official bulletins and not rely on rumours.
With Indonesia hosting more active volcanoes than any other country, timely warnings and community preparedness are critical. Continued monitoring of seismic signals, gas emissions and deformation will inform whether Mount Lewotobi’s activity declines or escalates.
Source: TP