Volcanic Eruption in Indonesia Disrupts Travel, Prompts Evacuations   

• Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in Flores Island, Indonesia, erupted at 5:35 p.m. local time on June 17, launching ash clouds 11 kilometers into the sky and disrupting dozens of flights across the region. The eruption was visible up to 150 kilometers away, with witnesses reporting a massive orange, mushroom-shaped cloud. Indonesia raised its volcano alert to the highest level, evacuating nearby villages and establishing an 8-kilometer exclusion zone. Authorities warned that heavy rainfall could trigger dangerous lava flows and urged residents to wear masks due to ashfall. Flights to Bali, Jakarta, and several international destinations were canceled, affecting more than 1,000 travelers. Officials say the volcano erupted 50 times in two hours, followed by another ash cloud the next morning. Indonesia has been dealing with a series of volcanic eruptions throughout mid-2025. Situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” the nation lies along a highly active seismic zone that includes more than 120 active volcanoes. The frequent activity caused by the archipelago’s geological volatility demands constant monitoring and public cooperation with safety protocols. In a separate incident, a 26-year-old Brazilian tourist died after falling several hundred meters from the ridge of Mount Rinjani, an active volcano on Lombok Island, Indonesia. She was hiking with a group despite recent warnings to avoid the area due to increased volcanic activity. Officials emphasized the importance of adhering to hazard zone regulations and eruption alerts for one’s own safety. Lucy Kim Staff Reporter teen/1751271110/1613367659