Last Tuesday night Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki located on Indonesia’s East Nusa Tengarra Island erupted for the 3rd time this year with this eruption triggering the nations highest volcanic alert level.
The twin volcano was seen to spew ash clouds as high as 11km into the sky with the plume visible for up to 150 kms. Authorities warned of potential lava flows if heavy rain was to hit the island.
The volcano has seen consistent eruptions since 2023 causing many nearby villages to evacuate, leaving up to 7,000 people displaced and proving deadly with 9 people killed last November.
The eruption has seen Australian commuters to Bali facing cancellations and delays as both Qantas and Jetstar flights have been impacted.
As volcanic activity is still ongoing according to seismic data from Indonesia’s National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure (known as BNPB), individuals in proximity to the ash cloud have been urged to wear face masks to protect themselves from the fumes.
Sophie Janusko 