The eastern Indonesian volcano Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted in the dead of night on Monday, spewing fiery rocks, ash, and scorching debris into surrounding villages on the island of Flores. The catastrophe has left at least ten people dead, numerous injuries, and thousands seeking refuge in emergency shelters as the country’s disaster agency (BNPB) elevates the alert level to its maximum status.
The sudden eruption, which commenced just before midnight, forced the immediate evacuation of several villages as a rain of volcanic rocks and ash fell from the sky, setting structures ablaze and blanketing buildings in a thick layer of ash. The intense eruption has been accompanied by secondary explosions and persistent tremors, leaving nearby residents and local officials struggling to assess the full scope of the damage.
For residents of the villages at the base of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, the night’s eruption was an ordeal of terror. Many residents were fast asleep, only to be awoken by the violent tremors that accompanied the volcanic activity. Hermanus Mite, a 32-year-old hairdresser, recalls the chaos in his village when the eruption began.
“I was asleep when suddenly the bed shook twice, as if someone had slammed it. Then I realised the volcano had erupted, so I ran outside,” Mite said. “I saw flames coming out and immediately fled. There were ashes and stones everywhere. My salon also caught fire, and everything inside was lost.”
Witnesses reported an apocalyptic scene as flaming rocks fell from the sky, setting homes and small businesses alight, and creating holes in the ground where molten debris impacted. Entire structures were buried under volcanic ash, while others collapsed under the weight of the fiery fallout. Initial reports from authorities suggest that five villages were hardest hit, with buildings damaged or destroyed, trees scorched, and vast areas of farmland rendered unusable.
Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency confirmed at least ten fatalities, among them a baby and a young nun. Speaking at a press conference, BNPB spokesperson Abdul Muhari provided a sobering update, noting that 10,295 people have been directly affected by the disaster, with thousands being evacuated to temporary shelters. Although no one has been reported missing, the BNPB has set up a local help desk where residents can report any unaccounted-for relatives or seek support.
The country’s volcanology agency raised the alert level for Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki to its highest status, citing a rapid and significant increase in volcanic activity. Officials have warned that the volcano remains dangerous and unstable, with potential for further eruptions and lava flows. Residents and visitors have been ordered to avoid a 7-kilometer radius around the crater, which continues to emit sporadic ash and rumbling noises.
The intensity of the eruption was masked, in part, by adverse weather conditions, making it difficult for some residents to recognize the warning signs. Heavy thunderstorms and lightning accompanied the onset of the eruption, drowning out the natural precursors typically associated with volcanic activity.
Petrus Muda Turan, a village leader on the Catholic-majority island of Flores, explained that residents initially mistook the eruption for inclement weather.
“We didn’t hear any warning signs because it started with thunder and lightning,” Turan said. “After midnight, people finally began to evacuate in a panic. When we ran, we didn’t know what to bring, so we just took ourselves.”
The eruptions, which continued sporadically throughout the night at intervals of around 90 minutes, left a thick layer of ash and smouldering volcanic rock covering the landscape. Photos from the disaster area show collapsed roofs, burnt-out structures, and villagers huddling in communal buildings for safety. The ground surrounding the crater is pockmarked with impact sites from rocks hurled by the explosive force of the eruption.
In addition to the devastation of homes, schools, and businesses, the island’s natural landscape has been scarred by the fiery upheaval. Scorched trees and vegetation line the roads leading from affected areas, while thick clouds of ash make travel hazardous.
The eruptions also forced the temporary closure of Maumere Airport, the second-largest air transit hub on Flores, as ash clouds limited visibility. As conditions began to clear, Maumere’s head of search and rescue, Supriyanto Ridwan, noted that early rescue operations were hampered by a thick mixture of volcanic ash and rain-soaked mud, which rendered access roads treacherous.
In addition to the immediate threat from the eruption, authorities are now focusing on secondary hazards that could arise as a result of the volcanic fallout. The disaster agency has warned of potential rain-induced lava floods, a dangerous phenomenon that occurs when heavy rains mobilize volcanic ash and debris, creating fast-moving flows that can devastate communities downstream.
To mitigate health risks from the volcanic ash in the air, authorities have advised residents to wear masks when venturing outdoors. Fine volcanic ash particles can pose serious respiratory hazards, especially for young children and the elderly. Health workers in the region have been distributing masks and other protective gear to evacuees and are working with local clinics to address respiratory symptoms among the displaced population.
Indonesia, an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area known for intense tectonic activity and frequent volcanic eruptions. Home to approximately 130 active volcanoes, Indonesia experiences periodic eruptions that often result in significant casualties and displacement. The country’s national disaster agency has been grappling with the challenges posed by volcanic activity for decades, yet eruptions continue to have deadly and disruptive effects on local populations.
Mount Lewotobi itself has a history of eruptions, with significant activity reported as recently as January. During that period, authorities were forced to evacuate more than 2,000 residents as the volcano sent plumes of ash and clouds of volcanic gas into the sky. Although many residents were able to return to their homes once the alert level was lowered, the recent eruption serves as a reminder of the volatility of the region.
Mount Lewotobi is a unique geological formation, consisting of twin volcanic peaks known locally as Lewotobi Laki-Laki, or “Male Lewotobi,” and Lewotobi Perempuan, “Female Lewotobi.” The “male” peak is known for its higher frequency of eruptions, while the “female” peak is comparatively quieter. This duality has become part of the cultural fabric for residents, who often see the two peaks as symbolic representations with distinct personalities. Despite its destructive tendencies, Lewotobi Laki-Laki is a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors who seek adventure on its slopes and a glimpse into the dramatic power of nature.
