Indonesian volcano erupts, with alert raised to highest level

A volcanic eruption in Indonesia spewed a colossal ash tower into the sky on Tuesday, as authorities raised the alert status to the highest level and urged tourists and locals to stay away.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a 1,584-metre-high twin-peaked volcano on the tourist island of Flores, erupted at 5:35 pm local time.

Indonesia’s Geology Agency said in a statement it recorded the volcano unleashing 10,000 meters (about 32,800 feet) of thick grey clouds on Tuesday afternoon, following significant volcanic activities, including 50 in two hours, rather than the usual daily 8 to 10 activities.

'The height of the eruption column was observed at approximately 10,000 metres above the summit. The ash column was observed to be grey with thick intensity,' it said.

The agency also raised the alert level of the volcano to the most dangerous, warning of potential lava flows if it heavily rains. 

There were no immediate reports of damages or casualties and it was not immediately clear if flights were disrupted.  

Images on Tuesday showed an orange mushroom-shaped ash cloud engulfing a nearby village. 

Videos circulating on social platform X showed the towering column of hot ash billowing in the air, as screams and cries are heard in the background. 

Geology agency head Muhammad Wafid said residents and tourists should avoid carrying out any activities within at least seven kilometres of the volcano's crater.

Villagers watch the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki as seen from Talibura village in Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara, on June 17

handout photo made available by the Vulcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) of the Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, shows the Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano spewing volcanic materials during an eruption in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia

Indonesian authorities have raised the alert status of the volcano to the highest level on 17 June 2025

But he warned of the possibility of hazardous lahar floods - a type of mud or debris flow of volcanic materials - if heavy rain occurs, particularly for communities near to rivers.

He also urged residents to wear face masks to protect themselves from volcanic ash.

In November, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted multiple times killing nine people and forcing thousands to evacuate, as well as the cancellation of scores of international flights to Bali.

In March, the volcano also spewed ash clouds more than five miles high. 

Footage of the eruption shared on social media showed how locals were pelted by falling lava and volcanic rocks as they fled to safety. 

A number of residents were injured by hot dust from the eruptions. 

Several airlines cancelled flights between Australia and Indonesia's tourist island of Bali, while other international and domestic flights to the island were delayed.

Residents were also warned to be vigilant about heavy rainfall triggering lava flows in rivers originating from the volcano.

There were no immediate reports of damages or casualties and it was not immediately clear if flights were disrupted

Images on Tuesday showed an orange mushroom-shaped ash cloud engulfing a nearby village

People watch as Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki spews volcanic materials into the air during an eruption, in Maumere, Indonesia

In November, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted multiple times killing nine people and forcing thousands to evacuate

Laki-Laki, which means man in Indonesian, is twinned with the calmer but taller 1,703-metre (5,587-foot) volcano named Perempuan, after the Indonesian word for woman.

Indonesia, a vast archipelago nation, experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire'.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow.