A powerful volcanic eruption at Mount Lewotobi in Indonesia has caused significant disruption, grounding flights and forcing the evacuation of thousands.
The eruption, which began on November 3, sent thick clouds of volcanic ash into the sky, prompting authorities to cancel all international and domestic flights to and from Lombok Airport in West Nusa Tenggara.
This airport, a key hub in the region, typically connects travelers to cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Denpasar Bali, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Sumbawa, and Bima.
Arif Haryanto, an official at Lombok Airport, confirmed the widespread impact, stating, “All flight routes from and to Lombok Airport were affected by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara. There were no flight activities today.” The suspension of flights has disrupted travel plans for many, as authorities work to monitor the situation and prioritize safety.
The eruption’s devastation has extended beyond flight disruptions. In East Nusa Tenggara, authorities have evacuated around 12,200 people from the affected areas, relocating them to safe zones away from the active volcano. The volcano’s activity has already claimed at least 10 lives and injured more than two dozen people, adding urgency to the evacuation efforts as officials work to provide relief and ensure the safety of displaced residents.
Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, currently in the United States, has been actively involved in coordinating response efforts. He led a meeting with senior officials to discuss the crisis and prioritize timely aid to the affected communities. Speaking about the government’s response on social media platform X, President Subianto emphasized, “I received detailed updates on the disaster and ensured that all assistance is provided in a timely and targeted manner as quickly as possible.”
Indonesia, located on the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” experiences frequent volcanic activity and earthquakes, with around 130 active volcanoes across the archipelago. This geographic positioning makes Indonesia one of the world’s most seismically active countries, with Mount Lewotobi’s eruption serving as a reminder of the natural challenges the nation faces.
As Mount Lewotobi continues to erupt, authorities remain vigilant, monitoring seismic activity and air quality to determine when flight operations can safely resume. Evacuation efforts are ongoing, and relief agencies are working to meet the immediate needs of displaced residents, including shelter, food, and medical support.
