The Indonesian island of Bali is facing widespread disruption after Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted on Tuesday afternoon, sending an ash plume 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) into the atmosphere. Although the volcano is located on the nearby island of Flores, the impact has rippled across the region, including major air travel hubs in Bali.
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The eruption occurred at 5:35 PM local time (10:35 BST) and prompted Indonesia’s Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center to raise the alert to the highest level, warning of further explosive activity and serious risks to nearby communities.
Mass Flight Cancellations and Travel Chaos
Airlines were quick to respond to the ash cloud. Over 37 international flights were cancelled, affecting carriers such as:
- Air India
- Air New Zealand
- Jetstar
- Singapore Airlines
- Virgin Australia
- Juneyao Airlines
Domestic flights, particularly AirAsia routes to and from Flores, were also grounded, leaving passengers stranded and schedules in disarray. Aviation authorities are currently coordinating with airlines to assess risks and resume operations when conditions permit.
Evacuations and Public Health Warnings
Authorities have ordered evacuations within a 7-kilometer radius of the volcano, citing concerns over falling ash, lava flows, and possible future eruptions. Villages outside this exclusion zone have also reported ashfall, prompting Indonesia’s disaster agency to urge residents to wear face masks to protect against inhalation of volcanic particles.
Risk of Secondary Hazards: Lahar and Flooding
Muhammad Wafid, head of Indonesia’s Geological Agency, warned of potential lahars—dangerous mudflows triggered by rain mixing with volcanic debris. With the monsoon season underway, the risk of these fast-moving floods is heightened, posing a threat to both people and infrastructure in affected zones.
A History of Volcanic Activity
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is part of a twin-peaked volcanic system that has erupted multiple times in recent months. A deadly eruption in November 2024 claimed nine lives and displaced thousands. The volcano’s unpredictable nature and increasing frequency of activity have made it a high-priority concern for local authorities and disaster preparedness agencies.
Impact on Bali’s Tourism and Economy
While the eruption occurred off Bali, the economic effects are deeply felt. The island’s economy—heavily reliant on tourism—is reeling from flight cancellations and delayed arrivals. Many hotels, resorts, and tour operators have reported mass cancellations, exacerbating the financial strain already caused by past disruptions.
The situation illustrates the vulnerability of island economies that depend on consistent international access and the unpredictable risks of natural disasters.
Government Response and Relief Measures
Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has mobilized emergency services to assist with:
- Evacuation logistics
- Temporary shelters
- Medical support
- Distribution of masks and clean water
Local authorities are also working with international partners to ensure resources and aid reach affected communities promptly.
Importance of Preparedness and Resilience
Indonesia sits within the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, making it one of the world’s most seismically active regions. While the country has made significant investments in early warning systems, the Mount Lewotobi eruption highlights the need for ongoing investment in infrastructure, public education, and emergency planning.
Climate change and shifting weather patterns are expected to further exacerbate natural disaster risks, underlining the importance of regional cooperation and international support.
What’s Next: Monitoring and Continued Alerts
Authorities continue to closely monitor volcanic activity, with tremors still being detected in the region. Experts caution that more eruptions or aftershocks may follow, and further evacuations are likely as the situation evolves.
The Indonesian government has pledged ongoing support for both residents and stranded travelers, working with airlines to reschedule flights and communicate timely updates to the public.
Conclusion: A Stark Reminder of Nature’s Unpredictability
The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki serves as a powerful reminder of the geological volatility that defines much of Indonesia. While no fatalities have been reported so far, the eruption has caused significant disruption to air travel, economic activity, and the lives of those living near the volcano.
Continued efforts from both national agencies and international partners will be critical in supporting recovery, managing risk, and reinforcing preparedness for future events. As ash continues to fall and tremors persist, vigilance and timely action remain the best defense against this unpredictable force of nature.