Mount Lewotobi in Indonesia has erupted, blasting volcanic ash 32,000 feet into the air and prompting immediate evacuations and travel warnings. The Australian Government issued a red alert for aircraft as the ash cloud posed serious aviation risks.
Evacuations Underway
Authorities ordered evacuations within a two-mile radius of the volcano due to the threat of pyroclastic flow — deadly surges of hot gas and volcanic debris that can rush down the slopes at terrifying speeds.
Volcano Activity Reached Critical Levels
Indonesia’s volcanic agency had recently raised the alert for Mount Lewotobi to its highest level after days of increasingly volatile activity. Visual observations revealed a sharp uptick in seismic events and rising concerns about possible lava flows.
Timeline of the Eruption
The eruption began at 5:34 p.m. local time (5:34 a.m. Central Time) on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Volcano Observation Post Officer Yohanes Kolli Sorywutun reported that the ash column reached a height of 10,000 meters above the volcano’s peak — more than 11,500 meters (7.1 miles) above sea level.
No Casualties Reported So Far
While no casualties have been confirmed from this current eruption, officials remain cautious. Last November, an eruption of nearby Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki resulted in nine deaths and dozens of injuries.
Tsunami Concerns Prompt Japan Investigation
Japan’s Meteorological Agency is investigating the eruption’s potential to trigger a tsunami, though no warnings have yet been issued.
Powerful Images Emerge
Incredible videos and photos show towering clouds of volcanic smoke billowing into the sky — a dramatic reminder of Indonesia’s position within the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most volcanically active regions on Earth.
Stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine as this story develops.