Lewotobi Volcano Erupts, Disrupts Bali Flights

Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located on Flores Island, erupted late Thursday, propelling ash clouds over 8 kilometers (5 miles) into the sky. This significant activity prompted authorities to elevate the volcano's alert status to its highest level.

The eruption led to disruptions in air travel, particularly affecting flights to and from Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport. As of Friday morning, seven international flights were canceled, including six Jetstar flights to Australia and one AirAsia flight to Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, some domestic flights experienced delays.

The Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano had been exhibiting increased activity since March 13, culminating in Thursday's large eruption. In November of the previous year, an eruption from the same volcano resulted in at least nine fatalities and the evacuation of thousands, as nearby villages were bombarded with hot rocks and lava flows.

Residents in the vicinity have been advised to remain vigilant, especially concerning potential lava flows triggered by heavy rainfall. Indonesia, situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," is home to nearly 130 active volcanoes, making it a hotspot for seismic and volcanic activity.