Fri Mar 21 06:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Indonesian Volcano Erupts, Disrupting Flights and Triggering Highest Alert Level
**Flores Island, Indonesia** – Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Indonesia’s Flores Island erupted late Thursday night, sending an ash cloud 8 kilometers into the air and prompting authorities to raise the volcano’s alert level to the highest possible. The eruption, which began at 10:56 pm local time, caused the cancellation of several international flights to Bali, although the airport remained operational later in the day.
Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation issued a warning, advising residents and tourists to stay at least 7-8 kilometers away from the volcano’s southwest and northeast sectors. The agency described the ash cloud as “grey to black with thick intensity” and cautioned about the potential for volcanic mudflows due to anticipated rainfall. While there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties, the eruption’s severity prompted the increased alert level.
Jetstar, a Qantas Airways subsidiary, cancelled several flights from Australia to Bali on Friday morning due to the ash cloud, though service was expected to resume later in the day. Bali’s airport spokesperson confirmed seven international flight cancellations and several domestic flight delays, but reported that the airport remained open.
The eruption, which follows a previous eruption in November that resulted in at least 10 deaths and thousands of displaced people, also briefly triggered a tsunami warning from the Japan Meteorological Agency, which was later rescinded. Authorities continue to monitor the volcano’s activity closely.
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