Lewotobi volcano ash cloud reaches 6 900 m (22 600 feet) a.s.l., Indonesia

Volcanic ash from Lewotobi volcano in Indonesia was observed at 6 900 m (22 600 feet) above sea level at 13:00 UTC on October 8, 2025. The advisory was issued by Darwin VAAC at 13:29 UTC.

According to the advisory, volcanic ash was observed between surface level and flight level 220, corresponding to 6 900 m (22 600 feet). The ash cloud was moving toward the north-northwest at approximately 28 km/h (17 mph), as discerned from satellite imagery (Himawari-9) and ground reports from CVGHM. The Aviation Color Code is Red. The volcanic ash is expected to dissipate within 12 hours of the report time.

The most recent Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for September 24–30, 2025, notes that white-and-gray or gray ash plumes from Lewotobi Laki-laki rose as high as 2 000 m (6 600 feet) above the summit and drifted in multiple directions. During that week, local airport operations were affected, seismic activity was elevated with moderate explosions, and the Alert Level was at 3. The public was advised to stay 6 km (3.7 miles) from the volcano’s center as of September 29, 2025.

Lewotobi is a twin stratovolcano located on the island of Flores, Indonesia. It consists of two main cones: Lewotobi Laki-laki and Lewotobi Perempuan. Known hazards at the volcano include ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and lava flows. Populated settlements within several kilometers of the volcano, such as local villages and the city of Larantuka (about 45 km or 28 miles away), may be at risk during major eruptive events.