Aviation RED ALERT issued as Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki blasts ash cloud 53,000 feet into sky in huge eruption that can be seen 90 MILES away
A RED aviation alert has been issued after a massive 10-mile high ash cloud exploded from a volcano in Indonesia, with Japan urgently investigating whether the eruption could trigger a devastating tsunami.
Astonishing footage showed a gigantic mushroom-shaped plume of orange and grey ash pouring into the sky from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki on Tuesday, reaching an extraordinary height of 16 kilometers (53,000 feet) above sea level.
The Australian government immediately issued a “red” aviation alert – the highest warning level – as the massive ash cloud threatened to disrupt flights across the region.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency launched an urgent investigation into whether the powerful eruption could spark a tsunami that might reach Japanese shores.
The possibility of a tsunami hitting Japan is currently under investigation,” the agency said in a statement. If this eruption were to cause a tsunami to reach Japan, it is expected to arrive as early as 10pm in the Okinawa Prefecture area.
They added ominously: “The expected maximum height of the tsunami is unknown.”
TERRIFYING FOOTAGE
Terrifying footage taken from residential areas nearby shows the gargantuan plume of orange and grey smoke erupting from the 5,197-foot volcano in a scene reminiscent of a nuclear explosion.
The humongous mushroom cloud towered over horrified locals who watched on as dark smoke was spewed out into the air, with the ash cloud visible from cities up to 93 miles away.
Visual observations taken over the last two days saw a significant increase in volcanic activity from Mount Lewotobi, with more than 50 volcanic earthquakes recorded within just two hours after the eruption began – dramatically higher than the usual 8 to 10 per day.
HIGHEST ALERT LEVEL
Indonesia’s Geology Agency raised the eruption alert to Level IV (Awas) – the highest on the country’s four-tiered scale – and dramatically expanded the danger zone to 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the crater.
The agency recorded the volcano unleashing thick grey clouds reaching 10,000 meters (32,800 feet) into the atmosphere on Tuesday afternoon, with some reports suggesting the ash column reached as high as 11 kilometers (6.8 miles).
Geology Agency head Muhammad Wafid issued an urgent warning: “The public and tourists are urged not to carry out activities within a radius of 6 km from the eruption center, and to remain calm and follow directions from the local government.
LAVA FLOOD FEARS
Authorities warned of potential catastrophic lava flows if heavy rain occurs, with particular concern for communities near rivers originating from the volcano’s peak.
Communities around disaster-prone areas should be aware of the potential for lava flooding in the event of heavy rain, especially in watersheds upstream at the top of G. Lewotobi Laki-Laki, such as in Dulipali, Nobo, Hokeng Jaya, and Nurabelen,” officials warned.
Residents affected by ash rain were urgently advised to wear masks to protect themselves from inhaling volcanic debris.
AVIATION CHAOS
The eruption has raised immediate concerns about flight disruptions across the region. When Mount Lewotobi erupted in March, airlines including Australia’s Jetstar and Qantas were forced to cancel and delay flights to Bali.
The Volcanic Ash Advisory Center in Darwin, Australia, issued a red alert notice – indicating an eruption is underway “with significant emission of ash into the atmosphere.
A red alert under the international advisory network warns pilots that volcanic ash poses an extreme hazard to aircraft at all flight levels within the warning zone.
TWIN VOLCANO TERROR
Mount Lewotobi is actually composed of two adjacent stratovolcanoes – Lewotobi Laki-laki (Male) and Lewotobi Perempuan (Female) – which locals call “husband and wife” to reflect local traditions.
The more active Laki-laki has shown increased activity since late 2023, with this latest eruption being the most powerful yet recorded this year.
Standing at 1,584 meters (5,197 feet), the twin volcano complex is located in Indonesia’s Flores Timur district, part of the volatile East Nusa Tenggara province.
DEADLY HISTORY
The volcano has a terrifying recent history. In November 2024, a devastating eruption killed nine people and injured dozens more, forcing the evacuation of over 10,000 residents.
That eruption also caused international flight chaos, with thousands of travelers stranded at airports in Bali, Australia, and other nearby regions as airlines struggled to navigate the massive ash cloud.
RING OF FIRE
Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago home to over 270 million people, sits atop the seismically volatile Pacific “Ring of Fire” – a vast arc of tectonic boundaries known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
With 120 active volcanoes across the nation, Indonesia faces persistent threats from volcanic activity. The country has experienced numerous deadly eruptions in recent years, including the catastrophic 2018 collapse of Anak Krakatau that triggered a tsunami killing over 430 people.
NO IMMEDIATE CASUALTIES
Despite the scale of Tuesday’s eruption, no casualties or damage have been reported so far. However, authorities remain on high alert as the volcano continues to show signs of intense activity.
Search and rescue agencies are on standby, though Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency has not yet ordered any evacuations beyond the expanded danger zone.
The eruption follows smaller episodes in March and May this year, when authorities also raised the alert to the highest level, suggesting Mount Lewotobi is entering a particularly active phase that could last for months or even years.
