• Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted, sending an ash cloud 18km into the atmosphere.
• Authorities have raised the volcano's alert level to the highest, warning of potential lahar floods.
• Flight cancellations occurred as a result of the ash cloud impacting air travel routes.
• Local communities are facing shortages of clean water and food due to the ongoing eruptions.
• Over 4,000 people have been evacuated from nearby areas since the eruptions began.

Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted on Monday, belching an ash cloud that reached heights of 18 kilometers (11 miles), affecting air travel and local communities. The eruption occurred shortly after 11:00 a.m. local time, leading to the cancellation of at least 24 flights to and from Bali as ash rained down on nearby villages, according to The Jakarta Post and India Times.

The country's Geology Agency has warned that volcanic ash could cause hazardous lahar floods if heavy rains follow. Consequently, the alert level has been raised to the highest status, with an exclusion zone expanded to a 7-kilometer radius around the volcano. Observations noted significant gas clouds and lava movement, indicating heightened volcanic activity, as reported by Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Many villages have been blanketed in volcanic debris, creating hazardous conditions for residents. In light of the explosions, the Geology Agency has urged local inhabitants to be vigilant of potential lava flows and to wear protective coverings when outdoors. As a precautionary measure, over 4,000 residents have been evacuated from the surrounding areas, as reported by South China Morning Post and HuffPost.

This eruption comes just weeks after the volcano's previous activity led to flight disruptions and evacuations. Reports indicate the volcano has a history of eruptions, with significant events occurring in November 2024 that resulted in fatalities and evacuations. The region is known for its volcanic activity due to its location along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a zone of frequent seismic and volcanic activity, reported by AA and BBC.