On June 17, 2025, people stood and watched as Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted, sending ash and debris high into the air. CNN
A large volcano in Indonesia erupted Tuesday evening, sending a huge ash cloud over 6 miles into the air. The eruption came from Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki on the island of Flores. The blast happened at 5:35 p.m. and created an orange, mushroom-shaped cloud that was visible nearly 90 miles away.
Highest Alert Issued, Tourists Warned
Officials raised the danger level to the highest possible and told tourists to stay far from the volcano. Ash blanketed nearby areas like the village of Talibura. People in the region watched in awe as thick smoke filled the skies.
Flights Disrupted in Bali and Beyond
The ash cloud caused dozens of flight cancellations. Bali’s Denpasar Airport listed many domestic and international flights as canceled. These included flights to places like Jakarta, Lombok, Singapore, Australia, India, and New Zealand.
Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport closed entirely and will stay shut until Thursday. Officials say safety is the top priority for all passengers.
Travelers Scramble After Sudden Changes
Singaporean tourist Athirah Rosli said she woke up to news that her flight home was canceled. She and her husband quickly booked another hotel and travel insurance. “At first I was upset,” she said, “but then I felt lucky we’re safe.”
Increased Activity Before the Blast
Before the eruption, scientists had noticed a rise in volcanic activity. The mountain, standing over 5,000 feet high, recorded 50 tremors in two hours — much higher than usual. It erupted again on Wednesday, although the second ash cloud was smaller at around 0.6 miles high.
A bright orange cloud shaped like a mushroom rose above Talibura village during the eruption, and people spotted it from nearly 93 miles (150 km) away. CNN
Authorities moved dozens of villagers from two nearby areas to safety. The danger zone now stretches around five miles from the volcano. Officials warned of lava flows if heavy rain mixes with ash.
Tourism Takes a Hit
The eruption disrupted travel plans for over 1,000 tourists, especially those heading to Bali and Komodo National Park. A tour operator in Bali said many travelers had to cancel or adjust their itineraries at the last minute.
Volcano’s Violent History
This is not the first time Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki caused major problems. It last erupted in May, prompting a similar alert level. In March, airlines again delayed or canceled flights to Bali. A severe eruption last November killed nine people and forced thousands to evacuate.
A Nation of Volcanoes
Indonesia is part of the Pacific’s “Ring of Fire,” an area known for earthquakes and volcanoes. The country has 120 active volcanoes and experiences regular seismic activity. Millions of people live near these natural giants.
