Overview

• On August 1, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted at 12:48 UTC and again at 17:05 UTC, generating ash columns that reached an estimated 19.2 km above sea level.
• The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation has held the Aviation Color Code at Red and Alert Level IV to signal extreme explosive activity.
• Geological agency head Muhammad Wafid said a buildup of volcanic gases over recent weeks triggered the powerful blasts, which produced lightning-streaked ash and intermittent lava emissions.
• No casualties or flight disruptions have been reported so far, though residents and tourists were advised to wear masks to guard against heavy ashfall.
• Authorities have warned that heavy rainfall could mobilise hazardous lahar flows down river valleys around the volcano, threatening downstream communities.