Indonesia raises alert as volcano erupts, spewing massive ash cloud

Indonesia raises alert as volcano erupts, spewing massive ash cloud
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Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted on Tuesday, sending a towering ash column 11 kilometres into the sky and prompting authorities to raise the alert level to the highest on the country’s four-tiered system. The eruption occurred at 5:35 p.m. local time on the island of Flores, according to Indonesia’s volcanology agency.

No casualties or damage have been reported. Authorities have urged residents and tourists to stay at least seven kilometres away from the crater. Officials also warned of possible lahar floods if heavy rains fall, and advised wearing masks to reduce exposure to volcanic ash.

The twin-peaked volcano last erupted in November, killing nine and disrupting flights. Although past eruptions have affected travel, there were no immediate flight cancellations following Tuesday’s event. Indonesia, located along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is highly prone to volcanic and seismic activity.