Recent Natural Disasters

The 2025 Eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki: A Volcanological and Societal Impact Assessment

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 02:04:00 +0000

Prepared by: Asmita Dahal, GRIT

Indonesia lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Because of its location, it is home to some of the world’s most active volcanoes. In June 2025, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, situated on Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara province, erupted violently. Ash clouds were spread over 10,000 meters into the atmosphere. This report examines the geological characteristics of the eruption, as well as its immediate and long-term impacts on aviation, local communities, and the environment. The response strategies employed by Indonesian authorities are also discussed.

Introduction

Indonesia’s geographical position on the Pacific Ring of Fire is a major reason for its vulnerability to seismic and volcanic activity. More than 120 active volcanoes are in Indonesia. The country experiences frequent eruptions, leading to catastrophic consequences. The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in June 2025 is the latest volcanic event that has disrupted life and infrastructure in the region (Sky News, 2025).

Geological Background of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is one of a twin stratovolcano system. The other is Mount Lewotobi Perempuan. The volcano is located in the Flores Timur district, and it rises to an elevation of 1,584 meters (5,197 feet) above sea level. It has a history of periodic eruptions. The significant activities were recorded in November 2024 and May 2025 (MSN News, 2025). Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) monitors the volcano. The alert level was raised to its highest on June 17, 2025, following increased seismic activity and visible ash clouds.

Chronology and Characteristics of the Eruption

The eruption began on the afternoon of June 17, 2025, at approximately 5:35 PM local time. A towering ash column formed, reaching up to 10,000 meters (32,800 feet). It had formed a mushroom-shaped cloud that was visible from as far as 150 kilometres away (CBC News, 2025). More than 50 seismic events were recorded in the two hours before the eruption. The frequency of seismic events had far exceeded the volcano’s daily average of 8–10 tremors (Yahoo News, 2025).

The eruption was accompanied by pyroclastic flows, ash fall, and the expulsion of volcanic gravel. The danger zone expanded to an 8-kilometre radius from the crater. Authorities had warned about potential lahars due to heavy rainfall interacting with volcanic debris (MSN News, 2025).

Impact on Aviation and Transportation

The regional air travel was severely impacted by the eruption. Volcanic ash created a severe risk to aircraft engines, due to which dozens of flights to and from Bali, Labuan Bajo, and other regional hubs were cancelled. Airlines like Jetstar, Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, and Air India were affected (Sky News, 2025). Widespread disruptions were seen in Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Thousands of travellers were stuck or rerouted.

The Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport in Maumere was temporarily halted. Flights to major cities in Australia, Malaysia, India, and China were suspended (MSN News, 2025). The aviation industry’s response showed that the air travel sector is vulnerable to natural disasters, especially in seismically active regions.

Societal and Environmental Consequences

No casualties were reported in the June eruption. However, evacuations were forced in several villages like Boru, Hewa, Watobuku, and Nurabelen. Residents were moved to safer areas like Konga and Nileknoheng, 12 kilometres away from the crater (CBC News, 2025). The homes, roads, and agricultural land were covered by ashfall, which raised worries about the respiratory health and food security of people.

Local economies, mainly tourism and agriculture, were affected by the eruption. Bali is a major tourist destination in Indonesia. It experienced a drop in the number of arrivals due to cancellations of flights. According to the farmers in the affected regions, there was major crop damage due to ash and gravel deposits.

Government Response and Mitigation Efforts

Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) coordinated evacuation efforts. It also distributed emergency supplies to evacuated residents. Due to falling debris, the monitoring posts were temporarily relocated. Public advisories were also issued to warn of potential secondary hazards, such as lahars and flash floods (MSN News, 2025).

The lessons were learned by the government from previous eruptions, including the deadly November 2024 event that claimed nine lives. This contributed to the government’s swift response. Improvements were seen in early warning systems and community preparedness. This played a vital role in reducing casualties during the June eruption.

Conclusion

The June 2025 eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki highlights the constant risk posed by Indonesia’s active volcanoes. While significant disruption was caused by the event, there was no absence of fatalities. This shows improved disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. Investment should be continued in monitoring infrastructure, public education, and emergency planning. This will assist in mitigating the risks associated with future eruptions.

References

CBC News. (2025, June 18). Volcanic eruption in Indonesia forces evacuations, cancelled flights. https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/lewotobi-laki-laki-1.7564178
MSN News. (2025, June 18). Volcanic eruption in Indonesia forces evacuations and flight cancelations. https://www.msn.com/en-us/public-safety-and-emergencies/health-and-safety-alerts/volcanic-eruption-in-indonesia-forces-evacuations-and-flight-cancelations/ar-AA1GW5Dp
Sky News. (2025, June 18). Flights cancelled in Indonesia after volcano eruption unleashes massive cloud of hot ash. https://news.sky.com/story/volcano-erupts-in-indonesia-unleashing-6-8-miles-high-ash-cloud-13384955
Yahoo News. (2025, June 18). Watch: Indonesia volcano eruption sends ash 10km into sky. https://ca.news.yahoo.com/watch-indonesia-volcano-eruption-sends-134209013.html

The 2025 Eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki: A Volcanological and Societal Impact Assessment

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 17:38:00 +0000

Prepared by: Asmita Dahal, GRIT

Indonesia lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Because of its location, it is home to some of the world’s most active volcanoes. In June 2025, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, situated on Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara province, erupted violently. Ash clouds were spread over 10,000 meters into the atmosphere. In this report, the geological characteristics of the eruption are examined along with its immediate and lasting impacts on aviation, local communities, and the environment. The response strategies employed by Indonesian authorities are also discussed.

Introduction

Indonesia’s geographical position on the Pacific Ring of Fire is a major reason for its vulnerability to seismic and volcanic activity. More than 120 active volcanoes are there in Indonesia. The country experiences frequent eruptions leading to catastrophic consequences. The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in June 2025 is the latest volcanic event that has disrupted life and infrastructure in the region (Sky News, 2025).

Geological Background of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki

Chronology and Characteristics of the Eruption

The eruption began on the afternoon of June 17, 2025, at approximately 5:35 PM local time. A towering ash column was formed that reached up to 10,000 meters (32,800 feet). It had formed a mushroom-shaped cloud that was visible from as far as 150 kilometers away (CBC News, 2025). More than 50 seismic events were recorded in the two hours before the eruption. The frequency of seismic events had far exceeded the volcano’s daily average of 8–10 tremors (Yahoo News, 2025).

The eruption was accompanied by pyroclastic flows, ash fall, and the expulsion of volcanic gravel. The danger zone expanded to an 8-kilometer radius from the crater. Authorities had warned about potential lahars due to heavy rainfall interacting with volcanic debris (MSN News, 2025).

Impact on Aviation and Transportation

The regional air travel was severely impacted by the eruption. Volcanic ash created a severe risk to aircraft engines due to which dozens of flights to and from Bali, Labuan Bajo, and other regional hubs were cancelled. Airlines like Jetstar, Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, and Air India were affected (Sky News, 2025). Widespread disruptions were seen in Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Thousands of travelers were stuck or rerouted.

Societal and Environmental Consequences

No casualties were reported in the June eruption. However, evacuations were forced in several villages like Boru, Hewa, Watobuku, and Nurabelen. Residents were moved to safer areas like Konga and Nileknoheng, 12 kilometers away from the crater (CBC News, 2025). The homes, roads, and agricultural land were covered by ashfall, which raised worries about respiratory health and food security of people.

Government Response and Mitigation Efforts

Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) coordinated evacuation efforts. It also distributed emergency supplies to evacuated residents. Because of falling debris, monitoring posts were temporarily relocated. Public advisories were also issued to warn of potential secondary hazards like lahars and flash floods (MSN News, 2025).

The lessons were learned by the government from previous eruptions, including the deadly November 2024 event that claimed nine lives. This aided to the government’s swift response. Improvements were seen in early warning systems and community preparedness. This played a vital role in reducing casualties during the June eruption.

Conclusion

The June 2025 eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki highlights the constant risk posed by Indonesia’s active volcanoes. While significant disruption was caused by the event, there was the absence of fatalities. This shows improved disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. Investment should be continued in monitoring infrastructure, public education, and emergency planning. This will assist in mitigating the risks associated with future eruptions.

References

CBC News. (2025, June 18). Volcanic eruption in Indonesia forces evacuations, cancelled flights. https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/lewotobi-laki-laki-1.7564178
MSN News. (2025, June 18). Volcanic eruption in Indonesia forces evacuations and flight cancelations. https://www.msn.com/en-us/public-safety-and-emergencies/health-and-safety-alerts/volcanic-eruption-in-indonesia-forces-evacuations-and-flight-cancelations/ar-AA1GW5Dp
Sky News. (2025, June 18). Flights cancelled in Indonesia after volcano eruption unleashes massive cloud of hot ash. https://news.sky.com/story/volcano-erupts-in-indonesia-unleashing-6-8-miles-high-ash-cloud-13384955
Yahoo News. (2025, June 18). Watch: Indonesia volcano eruption sends ash 10km into sky. https://ca.news.yahoo.com/watch-indonesia-volcano-eruption-sends-134209013.html

Mount Semeru volcano eruption in Indonesia kills 34, injures 169

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 14:16:00 +0000

December 7, 2021: An eruption of Mount Semeru, a volcano in the East Java province of the Indonesian island of Java has claimed lives of 34 people and injured 169 others.

The volcanic eruption at Mount Semeru started on December 4, 2021 after heavy precipitation caused the collapse of lava dome at the summit.

People have been asked not to travel within 5 km of Semeru’s crater, as the nearby air is highly polluted and could affect vulnerable groups.

According to the Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), a warning for potential eruption of Mount Semeru was sent via the WhatsApp group chat four days prior to the eruption. However, the local people claimed that they did not receive any early warning for the volcano eruption.

The deadliest eruption at Semeru occurred on 29 August 1909 which killed 208 people.

Landslide in Java Island, Indonesia kills 4

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 12:15:00 +0000

November 23, 2021: A landslide in Central Java Province of Java Island of India has claimed lives of four people.

The recent floods have also affected more than 25,000 people in Sumatra. The heavy rainfall caused the Padang and Bailang rivers to overflow on November 20, 2021.

Indonesia: Flooding in Kalimantan kills 15

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 15:17:00 +0000

January 20, 2021: Recent flooding in Indonesian province of South Kalimantan has claimed lives of 15 people.

Flooding has affected nearly 10 districts and cities in South Kalimantan Province. President Joko Widodo has described it as the worst flood in the past 50 years.

Severe flash floods in Sulawesi, Indonesia kill 15

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 05:24:00 +0000

July 16, 2020: Severe flash floods in South Sulwesi Province of Indonesia have claimed lives of atleast 15 people.

According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, more than 4 000 people have been affected in six subdistricts in North Luwu.

Indonesia: Tornado in Sumatra Islands kills 2, damages 245 homes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 22 May 2020 17:35:00 +0000

May 21, 2020: A rare tornado ripped through several villages on Indonesia’s Sumatra island, killing at least two people and damaging around 245 homes.

The tornado touched down in Lampung province’s Tulang Bawang district, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency said.

Krakatoa eruption 2020: Indonesia's Anak Krakatau volcano erupts

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 11 Apr 2020 05:43:00 +0000

April 11, 2020: The world-famous Krakatoa volcano, Anak Krakatau, has erupted with huge plume of smoke and ash, the Indonesian Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation said.

The Anak Krakatau volcano eruption started on Friday at 10:35pm local time. The Krakatoa volcano spewed plumes of ash 15km into the air.

According to the media reports, many residents in Jakarta and West Java heard loud thunder-like sounds, believed to be from the volcanic activity on Anak Krakatau.

The eruption of Krakatoa in 1883 killed more than 36,000 people. The 1883 eruption of Krakatoa destroyed more than 70% of the island of Krakatoa and its surrounding archipelago.

Indonesia: Flash floods, landslides in Sulawesi kill 4

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 14:56:00 +0000

April 6, 2020: Flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall have claimed lives of four people in two districts of Tana Toraja regency in South Sulawesi, Indonesia.

According to the Tana Toraja Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), three people died in South Makale district and one in Rantetayo district.

The landslide has washed away several roads including the main road connecting Tana Toraja regency and North Toraja regency.

Flooding in Indonesia kills 1 — Around 56,000 affected and 9,285 buildings flooded

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 02:42:00 +0000

April 1, 2020: Recent flooding has claimed life of a person, affected 56,000 people and inundated at least 9,285 houses in six districts of Bandung regency, West Java.

A 70-year-old resident of Bojong Soang village died after slipping in floodwater, the West Java Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) confirmed.

According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), Dayeuhkolot district, Bojong Soang district and Bale Endah district are the most affected regions.

Recommended Post: Recent Natural Disasters List April 1, 2020

Indonesia: Mt. Merapi volcano eruption spews massive ash cloud

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 02:51:00 +0000

March 27, 2020: Mount Merapi, the Indonesia's most active volcano erupted today shooting a column of ash some 5,000 metres (16,000 feet) into the air.

According to the national disaster mitigation agency spokesman Agus Wibowo, there has been no reports of damage from the volcano eruption. However, the people are urged to stay calm and not to panic.

Authorities haven't raised the alert level for Mount Merapi volcano.

The Mt. Merapi volcano, which is near the historic city of Yogyakarta, had another big eruption earlier this month. Mt. Merapi volcano had sent ash into the air at 20,000 feet.

Mount Merapi's last major volcanic eruption was in 2010. Mount Merapi volcanic eruption killed more than 300 people and forced the evacuation of 280,000 residents.

Indonesia is made up of a series of islands with over 120 active volcanoes.

Indonesia: Floods, landslides in Sumatra kill 7

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 15:18:00 +0000

January 29, 2020: Floods and landslides on Indonesia's Sumatra island have claimed lives of at least seven people and displaced thousand others.

Also, 22 have been injured in Central Tapanuli Regency due to the overflow of the Aek Sirahar river.

According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, more than 2,000 people have been forced to leave their flooded homes.

The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Central Tapanuli Regency has declared a 7-day state of emergency.

Nine killed as flash flood destroys bridge in Bengkulu, Indonesia

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 15:52:00 +0000

January 20, 2020: Nine people have been killed after flash flood destroyed a bridge in Kaur regency in Bengkulu, Indonesia.

Kaur Disaster Mitigation Agency estimated around 30 people on the bridge when it collapsed. One people has been still missing.

According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the flash flood was caused by extreme weather and rainfall intensity.

Flooding in Samarinda, Indonesia prompts evacuation

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 14:33:00 +0000

January 16, 2020: Recent flooding in Samarinda area of Indonesia has caused evacuation of people to nearby shelter set up by the BPBD and some to the mosque.

Floods triggered by heavy rainfall have submerged Samarinda City affecting at least 7,213 residents.

Samarinda Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) reported no casualties.

[UPDATED] Floods, landslides in Jakarta kill 48

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 00:11:00 +0000

Update January 3, 2020

The death toll from Jakarta flood has risen to 48. Fatalities caused due to landslides, hypothermia, drowning, and electrocution.

Floods occurred throughout the Indonesian capital of Jakarta and its metropolitan area and the heavy rainfall caused Ciliwung and Cisadane river to overflow.

According to the Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) around 409,000 people have been affected by the floods, with over 366,000 of them in Bekasi City.

List of Fatalities

Bogor Regency - 11

East Jakarta - 7

Lebak Regency - 7

Depok City - 3

Bekasi City -3

Others from Bogor City, Tengarang, South Tangerang, Bekasi Regency, Central and West Jakarta.

Update January 2, 2020

Severe flooding and landslides in Jakarta has claimed lives of 21 people and forced thousands of people to flee their homes.

Around 11 fatalities are reported from Bogor regency.

There are around 3,535 people at temporary shelters in West Jakarta, 888 in North Jakarta and 310 in Central Jakarta.

Main Post

January 1, 2020: Indonesia's capital Jakarta has been hit by its deadliest flooding in yeas due to heavy rainfall on New Year's Eve, claiming lives of nine people and causing thousands to evacuate.

According to the Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency (BNPB), most of the deaths were due to hypothermia, though one was a teenager who was electrocuted by a power line.

More than 19,000 have been evacuated from the disaster area.

The floods also caused the temporary closure of the runway at Jakarta's domestic Halim airport, with flights redirected to the capital' bigger Soekarno airport.

Main Post: Recent Natural Disasters List January 1, 2020

Recent Natural Disasters in Indonesia 2020

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 14:00:00 +0000

This list contains all major natural disasters in Indonesia in 2020 with detail report.

Click for most recent natural disasters in Indonesia

July 16, 2019: 5.7 magnitude earthquake rocks Bali - One injured

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 10:10:00 +0000

July 16, 2019: A magnitude of 5.7 earthquake struck south of Indonesia's Bali on Tuesday, injuring one people and causing damages to the structures.

"Some houses in Banyuwangi, an area on the eastern tip of Java, and Bali were damaged, as well as some temples in Bali," Bangkok Post reported quoting the National Disaster Mitigation Agency. Damages have been reported to the gate to Bali's Nusa Dua luxurious tourist area.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at a depth of 92km with epicenter located 82.1 km ENE of Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. The earthquake occurred at 07:18 am local time.

The tremor was widely felt across Kuta, Tabanan, Ubud, Klungkung and other surrounding areas of Bali.

There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.

Mount Agung Volcano eruption in Bali cancels flights

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 26 May 2019 15:58:00 +0000

May 25, 2019: A volcanic eruption on the Indonesian island of Bali at Mount Agung has resulted in the cancellation of some flights.

Some flights were canceled to and from Australia after the volcanic eruption, The Reuters reported.

According to the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB), the volcano eruption at Mount Agung lasted for four minutes and 30 seconds.

The volcano's alert level is at level three and a 4 kilometer exclusion zone has been established.

Flash flooding in Sentani, Indonesia kills 77

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 12:38:00 +0000

March 18, 2019: At least 77 people have been killed following a flash flood in Sentani, Jayapura, Indonesia.

The flash flood occurred after seven-hour torrential downpour.

Flash flood has affected 11,725 families in Papua, The National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure (BNPB) reported.

Around 350 houses have been badly destroyed and 211 others in BTN Bintang Timur Sentani are still inundated.

The flooding mostly struck the Sentani Kota district, affecting Sentani Kota, Hinekombe and Dobonsolo subdistricts and five villages, Kampung Sereh, Yoboy, Yahim, Yobeh and Ifar Besar, The Jakarta Post reported.

Landslide in Bogor, Indonesia kills 4

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Feb 2019 13:38:00 +0000

February 16, 2019: Landslide in Kampung Ciapus, Ciomas district in Bogor regency, West Java of Indonesia has claimed lives of at least four people and injured four others.

The landslide was triggered by heavy rain which buried house located below the hill.

The injured people have been admitted at Ummi Hospital in Bogor, The Jakarta Post reported. Injured people include a nine month old child as well.

Original Post: Recent Natural Disasters List February 16, 2019

Flash floods on Indonesia’s Java island kill 13 villagers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 04 May 2017 15:52:00 +0000

May 2, 2017: Flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall have claimed lives of 13 people in Indonesia's main Java Island.

According to the local Disaster Management Agency, flooding in Magelang district of Central Java damaged around 71 houses, forcing about 50 families to take shelter in mosques and relatives' houses.

About 1,500 rescuers, including soldiers, police and volunteers took part in the search operation.

Original Post: Recent Natural Disasters List May 2, 2017

Indonesian landslide kills 4, leaves more than 30 missing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 02:10:00 +0000

April 6, 2017: At least four people have been confirmed dead and more than 30 others have been missing after a landslide struck Indonesia's Java island.

According to Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, the landslide stretched 1.5 kilometers long which engulfed farmers harvesting ginger in Banaran village in East Java province's Ponorogo district.

Seventeen people are having treatment at a community health centre, The Jakarta Post reported.

Tourists panic as earthquake of 5.5 magnitude rocks Bali, Indonesia

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 15:10:00 +0000

March 22, 2016: Magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck about 10 kilometers northeast of Denpasar, the capital city of the Indonesian province of Bali today.

The earthquake occurred 7:00 am at a depth of 118 kilometers. Tourists fled in panic from holiday resorts in the south of the island.

According to Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman of National disaster agency, the quake was felt strongly in the capital Denpasar for five seconds.

Floods in Karawang, West Java affect nearly 20,000

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 04:52:00 +0000

November 15, 2016: Recent flooding in five sub-districts in Karawang, West Java of Indonesia have affected nearly 20,000 people, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency reported on Monday evening.

The flood affected at least 19,669 people prompting the evacuation of around 6,373 people.

The worst-hit area, Tanjungpura village, has more than 1500 houses inundated with floodwater.

According to the Disaster Mitigation Agency, floods have submerged 5,776 homes, four school buildings, 12 mosques and 133 hectares of paddy fields.

Flash floods in Bandung, Indonesia kill 1; damage houses

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 06:09:00 +0000

October 25, 2016: Flash floods in the city of Bandung, West Java, Indonesia have claimed life of a person and damaged thousands of homes.

According to Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB), flash floods caused worst damage in Pasteur, Pagarsih, Solokan Jeruk and Sukajadi areas.

The Citepus River overflowed due to continuous heavy rainfall. Flood damage assessment is going on.