Continuous ash emissions at Lewotobi volcano reach 6 700 m (22 000 feet) a.s.l., Indonesia

Volcanic ash from Lewotobi volcano in Indonesia was observed at 6 700 m (22 000 feet) above sea level at 18:40 UTC on October 14, 2025. The advisory was issued by the Darwin VAAC at 19:00 UTC on October 14, 2025.

The ash cloud was clearly visible in Himawari-8 satellite imagery and reached flight level 220, corresponding to approximately 6 700 m (22 000 feet). The volcanic ash plume remained attached to the summit at the time of observation but was becoming increasingly diffused as it moved north-northwest away from the volcano. The ash movement and extent were determined using satellite imagery and model guidance. The current Aviation Color Code is Red.

According to the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for the last week of September 2025, Lewotobi produced daily white-and-gray or gray ash plumes with variable densities rising as high as 2 000 m (6 600 feet) above the summit. On September 26 and 27, Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport, located 60 km (37 miles) west, was closed due to volcanic ash, affecting six flights. The Alert Level was lowered to 3 on September 29, 2025, with recommendations for the public to stay 6 km (3.7 miles) away from the center of Laki-laki cone.

Lewotobi is a twin volcano complex in eastern Flores, Indonesia, consisting of Lewotobi Lakilaki (male) and Lewotobi Perempuan (female) stratovolcanoes. Hazards associated with the volcano include ashfall, lava flows, pyroclastic flows, and lahars. Settlements most at risk include local villages surrounding the flanks, and the regional population center of Larantuka, located about 60 km (37 miles) northwest of the volcano.