The Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano in Indonesia has erupted, sending an ash plume soaring up to 11 kilometers high, affecting nearby town residents. Authorities have issued the highest alert level and mandated evacuations within an 8-kilometer zone around the volcano due to the potential spread of lava flows exacerbated by heavy rainfall.
The Indonesian Geological Agency reported that the eruption took place on Tuesday afternoon. A towering mushroom-shaped ash cloud was visible from distances ranging between 90 and 150 kilometers from the volcano.
So far, there have been no reports of injuries or damage. Still, locals are urged to remain vigilant because the combination of lava flows and heavy rain increases the risk of landslides.
Lewotobi Laki-Laki is an active stratovolcano on Indonesia’s Flores Island, standing at 1,584 meters tall. Its previous eruption occurred in November last year.
The name “Lewotobi Laki-Laki” means “man” in Indonesian, and nearby is its less active counterpart, Perempuan, which translates to “woman.”
