A volcano in eastern Indonesia has released a massive ash column into the sky, leading to the cancellation of multiple flights to and from Bali. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a 1,584m twin-peaked volcano on the tourist island of Flores, east of Bali, erupted on Tuesday at 5.35pm local time.
The Indonesian volcanology agency raised the country’s disaster alert level to its highest level in response to the eruption. The eruption column reached a height of approximately 10,000 meters above the summit and was observed to be gray with thick intensity.
There were no immediate reports of damages or casualties. However, authorities warned that residents and tourists should avoid any activities within at least 7km of the volcano’s crater.
Several airlines, including Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Qantas, Air New Zealand, Air India, Singapore’s TigerAir, and China’s Juneyao Airlines, have canceled flights due to the eruption. Bali’s international airport reported ash rain in several villages outside the exclusion zone, and at least one village was evacuated.
Authorities also warned of the possibility of hazardous lahar floods, a type of mud or debris flow of volcanic materials, if heavy rain occurs. Residents were urged to wear face masks to protect themselves from volcanic ash.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/18/bali-flights-cancelled-volcano-eruption-indonesia
