• Mount Lewotobi erupts, sending ash 10 km into the sky, raising alert levels to the highest.
• Authorities warn locals to evacuate and stay at least 6 km away from the volcano.
• Airport operations in Maumere are suspended due to flight disruptions caused by the ash cloud.
• Previous eruptions in July caused significant flight cancellations and local evacuations.
• Authorities are monitoring for possible volcanic mudflows (lahar) in affected areas.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted early on Wednesday, sending volcanic ash approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) into the sky, according to the Geological Agency of Indonesia. The eruptions necessitated raising the volcano's alert level to Level IV, the highest degree of alert, due to significant activity documented since Monday. Both the initial eruption and a subsequent one occurred shortly after midnight local time, lasting several minutes each, with the highest ash column recorded after the second eruption at around 01:35 am (1735 GMT) according to The Jakarta Post, India Times, Channel News Asia, Al Jazeera, Reuters.

In the wake of the eruption, authorities have advised residents and tourists to maintain a distance of at least 6-7 km from the volcano due to possible hazardous volcanic mudflows, known as lahars, especially if heavy rain is expected. Evacuations have commenced for villages located in close proximity to the volcano, a precautionary measure considering the area's previous history of destructive eruptions, including a notable incident in November 2024 that resulted in fatalities and substantial property damage, as stated by officials from local disaster mitigation agencies according to The Jakarta Post and Reuters.

The eruptions have had significant operational impacts, particularly on air travel, as operations have been suspended at Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport located in Maumere, approximately 60 kilometers west of Lewotobi, as a precautionary measure against disrupted flight paths caused by the ash cloud. The airport announced that services would be halted until at least Thursday, reflecting an ongoing focus on public safety in light of the volcanic activity, with previous eruptions in July leading to the cancellation of multiple flights to the neighboring island of Bali, noted authorities from the local airport and corroborated by Channel News Asia and India Times.

As a nation situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," Indonesia is highly prone to seismic activity, with over 120 active volcanoes that require constant monitoring. The Geological Agency continues to closely observe the situation, providing critical updates to ensure public safety and inform local communities about potential risks associated with volcanic activity, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.