Today's Edition
JAKARTA (dpa)
The Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano on the Indonesian island of Flores erupted again early Saturday, sending a massive ash column up to 18 kilometres into the sky, the country's geological agency reported.
The eruption occurred at 1:05am (1705 GMT Friday) in East Nusa Tenggara province, generating a dense grey-to-black ash plume.
The volcanic material was observed drifting towards the southwest, west and northwest, the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) reported.
The volcano remains at the highest alert level. Authorities have warned residents and visitors to avoid areas within 6 to 7 kilometres of the summit.
At least seven domestic flights from the island resort of Bali were delayed, although overall airport operations remained normal, according to Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, general manager of the airport.
Indonesia is home to more than 120 active volcanoes and regularly experiences eruptions that can disrupt air travel, particularly in the eastern part of the archipelago.
On Friday, the volcano had also erupted, sending ash approximately 10 kilometres into the sky.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, one of two peaks in the Lewotobi volcanic complex, has shown increased activity in recent years. Indonesia, located along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is home to more than 120 active volcanoes.
