Overview

• The Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano erupted around midday local time on May 18, emitting an ash plume 3.5 kilometers into the sky.
• Indonesian authorities have established a six-kilometer exclusion zone and advised residents to wear masks to protect against ash inhalation.
• Officials warned of potential mudflows (lahars) if heavy rainfall occurs in the aftermath of the eruption.
• The volcano has been intermittently active since late 2023, with previous eruptions in March and April 2025 disrupting Bali air traffic.
• Flores Island, home to the twin-volcano system of Lewotobi Laki-Laki and Lewotobi Perempuan, is part of Indonesia's geologically active Pacific Ring of Fire.