What is the name and location of the volcanic eruption?
As of July 9, 2025, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, a twin volcano located on Flores Island in Indonesia, is actively erupting (1). An ash cloud rose 11 miles into the sky on Monday. It erupted again Tuesday night, spewing ash over a mile high (2).
The eruption on the larger peak of the twin volcano has significantly impacted the surrounding areas with ash clouds and lava flows, affecting both local communities and travel in the region. 24 flights were cancelled on July 7 with some delays and cancelations continuing into the next morning.
Which cities or areas are affected by the volcanic eruption?
The cities and areas affected by the volcanic eruption include (3):
Poor air quality has been measured miles from the source. Air quality in the range of unhealthy for sensitive groups has been measured on the West Side of Flores Island at Labuan Bajo and near Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi, Sulawesi Island.
How are authorities managing safety near the volcanic eruption?
Authorities have established an exclusion zone with a 7-kilometer radius from the central vent of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki to ensure public safety (4). Efforts are focused on monitoring volcanic activity and managing evacuations and emergency responses.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Evacuation orders have been issued for areas within a 7-kilometer radius of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki. Over 4,000 people have been evacuated from the immediate vicinity of the volcano.
Authorities have distributed masks and advised residents to limit outdoor activities due to the health risks posed by volcanic ash. Schools in affected areas have been closed to protect students and staff from volcanic hazards.
How can I protect myself from volcanic smoke?
Always plan ahead to protect yourself from a volcanic eruption.
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter volcanic smoke.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
