Major Volcanic Eruption on Flores Island
A significant volcanic event has shaken Indonesia, with Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Flores island erupting overnight. The national volcanology agency confirmed the eruption, which sent a massive column of volcanic ash high into the sky, prompting authorities to declare the highest possible alert level for the region.
Eruption Details and Immediate Impact
The volcano erupted late on Tuesday and then again in the early hours of Wednesday at 1:35 AM local time (1735 GMT). The force was immense, with volcanic materials rocketing approximately 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) above the volcano's peak, which stands at 1,584 metres. Fortunately, there has been no immediate report of casualties or major damage.
Authorities, however, are taking no chances. Residents and tourists on the eastern Indonesian island have been sternly warned to stay away from the area. Muhammad Wafid, the head of the geology agency, explained that the decision to raise the alert to the highest level was made after detecting an increase in deep quakes, a common precursor to an explosive volcanic eruption.
Disruptions and Precautionary Measures
The immediate consequence of the eruption has been the disruption of air travel. Wafid highlighted that the towering ash column could severely disrupt airport operations and flight paths if it continues to spread. Acting on this warning, authorities have already suspended all operations at a local airport in the town of Maumere, located about 60 kilometres west of the volcano.
This is not the first time Mount Lewotobi has caused such disruption. In a reminder of its potency, the same volcano erupted in July, producing an even larger 18-kilometre (11-mile) ash tower that led to the cancellation of 24 flights at Bali's international airport, a key tourist gateway.
Adding to the concerns, the geology agency has advised residents living near rivers to remain vigilant. The danger now shifts to potential lahars – hazardous floods of volcanic material that can be triggered by heavy rainfall.
This event underscores Indonesia's position on the seismically active Pacific 'Ring of Fire', an arc known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that stretches across the Pacific basin, making such geological events a recurring challenge for the archipelago nation.
