Mount Ile Lewotolok Erupts Again in Indonesia, Emitting Ash Columns 18 Kilometers High

Indonesian authorities reported today, Monday 7 July, a new eruption of Mount Ile Lewotolok on the eastern Flores Island, where the volcano spewed volcanic ash columns reaching a height of 18,000 meters above its crater, according to a statement from the National Volcanology Agency.

The volcanic activity began at 11:05 local time (03:05 GMT), with an explosive eruption accompanied by continuous tremors. Mohamad Wafid, the head of the Geological Agency, confirmed that the volcanic activity level is "very high," warning residents to stay away from the danger zone extending 6 kilometers around the volcano, and advising them to wear masks to avoid inhaling volcanic ash.

So far, no physical damage or human injuries have been reported due to the eruption, and no flights have been canceled, according to authorities. An official from "Angkasa Pura Airports" confirmed that Bali International Airport is operating normally, despite the previous impact of volcanic ash in the area.

It is worth mentioning that the volcano, which is 1584 meters high and has two craters, erupted several times last November, resulting in the death of 9 people, evacuation of thousands, and the cancellation of dozens of international flights heading to Bali.

Mount Ile Lewotolok (meaning "the man" in Indonesian) is located next to another quieter volcano called Mount Ile Periemboan ("the woman"). Indonesia is one of the most seismically and volcanically active regions in the world due to its location on the "Ring of Fire" in the Pacific Ocean.

This incident comes a few weeks after a previous eruption of the volcano that caused ashfall in surrounding areas, leading authorities to evacuate a nearby village.