Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi erupted on Thursday, sending towering plumes of ash and smoke into the sky, disrupting air travel and forcing nearby residents to flee their homes. Authorities have raised the alert level to the second-highest as seismic activity intensifies.
Evacuations Underway as Ash Spreads
Local officials have begun evacuating communities within a 4-kilometre radius of the volcano, located in East Nusa Tenggara province. Thick ash has blanketed nearby villages, reducing visibility and raising health concerns.
Flight Disruptions and Safety Measures
The eruption has already caused flight cancellations in the region, with airlines rerouting to avoid the ash cloud. Residents have been advised to wear masks and limit outdoor activities due to poor air quality.
History of Volcanic Activity
Mount Lewotobi is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, with its last major eruption occurring in 2019. The country sits on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire', making it prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic events.
Scientists are closely monitoring the situation, warning that further eruptions could trigger dangerous pyroclastic flows. Emergency shelters have been set up for displaced families as the crisis continues to unfold.
