Major Indonesian Volcano Erupts
On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 8:35 P.M. (PST), a volcano named Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted on Flores Island, Indonesia. The volcano erupted, blasting out a massive ash cloud that could be seen from hundreds of miles away.
Indonesia is located on a series of islands known as the “Ring of Fire,” where earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions occur regularly. Currently, Indonesia has 120 active volcanoes and is home to 270 million people. Mount Lewotobi consists of two twin volcanoes, each represented by a main peak. Its name, Lewotobi Laki-laki, means “man,” and next to it, its twin, Lewotobi Perempuan, means “woman.” The people of Flores, Indonesia, believe that volcanoes are not just spewing lava creations, but spiritual beings meant to represent the Indonesians as a whole. Laki-laki represents aggressiveness and activeness, while Perempuan represents nurturing and calmness.
During this eruption, Mount Lewotobi’s smoke rose in the shape of a mushroom 7 miles above, coloring the once-blue sky with orange, grey, and ashy dye. People living near the danger zone were quickly evacuated, and the government informed everyone that the danger level had reached its highest point. The government advised others to maintain a safe distance away from the active volcano for their safety. Numerous flights and tourist destinations were closed, postponed, or delayed due to this incident, which restricted transportation to the island from locations such as Air India, Australia, and Singapore Airlines. Fortunately, no injuries occurred in this incident. This volcano has been consistent in its activity over the last couple of months, and it is hard to say when it might erupt next.
Scientists are researching everything they know about this volcano that has been active for only a few months. Information about this volcanic eruption has spread all around the world. They will continue to monitor its activity in case it erupts unknowingly again. Everyone is nervous about when the next Indonesian volcanic eruption may come. We must be prepared with water, food, and shelter. For now, it is best to make sure we stay safe on our planet, Earth.