Mount Lewotobi in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province erupted multiple times today, sending towering columns of volcanic ash into the sky and prompting the highest-level aviation alert.

The Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Centre (PVMBG) reported the most intense eruption at 2:05 p.m. local time, with ash soaring up to 6,000 meters—roughly 20,000 feet—above the volcano.

Thick gray ash clouds spread north, northeast, west, and northwest, posing a significant threat to air travel. The Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) issued a red alert, the highest warning level, urging aircraft to avoid flying below 6,000 meters near the volcano. Aviation officials warned that volcanic ash could damage engines and disrupt flight paths, potentially causing delays or cancellations for airlines.

To protect local communities, authorities enforced a 6-kilometer exclusion zone around the crater, barring residents and tourists from the area. Officials also raised concerns about lahars—volcanic mudflows—that could surge through rivers if heavy rains mix with ash and debris.

Local disaster response teams are on high alert, coordinating emergency measures as seismic activity around Mount Lewotobi remains under close watch. Situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia is no stranger to volcanic activity, with Lewotobi among its many active volcanoes. (ILKHA)