Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi unleashed a dramatic eruption on July 7, propelling a towering ash column 18 kilometers into the sky over East Nusa Tenggara province. The volcanic outburst – captured in viral social media footage showing darkened skies and ash-covered villages – has triggered emergency responses across the region.
Authorities maintained the volcano at Alert Level IV, Indonesia's highest warning tier, as seismic activity continued through Tuesday. More than 2,500 residents have been evacuated from danger zones within a 6-kilometer radius, with temporary shelters established in neighboring Flores Island communities.
The Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center reported sustained pyroclastic flows and ashfall impacting aviation. Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali briefly suspended operations, while Lombok International Airport implemented flight diversions through Wednesday morning.
This eruption marks Lewotobi's most significant activity since 2010, underscoring Indonesia's position within the Pacific 'Ring of Fire.' The archipelago nation monitors 147 active volcanoes, with 18 currently under elevated alert status.
