As Indonesia’s Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano erupts, ash clouds soar, flights are cancelled, and thousands evacuate—what happens next?
Indonesia’s Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano has erupted, sending ash clouds over 8 kilometers into the sky. This dramatic event has led to flight cancellations and urgent evacuations, impacting both locals and travelers.
The Eruption and Its Immediate Impact
On Thursday night, the Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano in East Nusa Tenggara province erupted violently. Authorities quickly raised the alert status to the highest level. The eruption followed a series of smaller ones that began on March 13. The ash clouds have disrupted air travel, particularly affecting flights to and from Bali.
Flight Disruptions and Safety Measures
Jetstar, a low-cost subsidiary of Qantas Airways, canceled several flights between Australia and Bali on Friday morning due to the volcanic ash. A Bali airport spokesperson confirmed that the airport stayed open, but airlines canceled seven international flights and delayed some domestic ones. Flights were expected to resume later in the afternoon.
Also Read: Heathrow Airport CEO Apologizes for Disruptions, Shares Reopening Plans
Evacuations and Past Tragedies
During the evacuations, one person was reported injured, though details on the scale of the evacuations remain unclear. This eruption brings back memories of last November’s tragedy when the same volcano erupted, killing at least nine people and forcing thousands to flee as hot rocks and lava devastated nearby villages.
Ongoing Risks and Future Plans
Indonesian authorities had previously planned to permanently relocate residents affected by the volcano’s activity. The geological agency has warned of potential lava floods and noted smaller eruptions early on Friday. Indonesia, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is home to nearly 130 active volcanoes, making it a hotspot for seismic activity.
Also Read: Heathrow Airport Reopens After Power Outage: Flights Resume Amid Chaos
