Lewotobi volcano emits volcanic ash up to 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 21:00 UTC on October 15, 2025. The advisory was issued by the Darwin VAAC at 21:20 UTC on the same day.

The ash cloud was observed in satellite imagery (Himawari-8) moving toward the north-northwest at approximately 19 km/h (12 mph). The ash cloud extended from the surface up to 6 700 m (22 000 feet) and is expected to dissipate within 6 to 9 hours from the time of observation. The current Aviation Color Code is Red.

According to the latest Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, Lewotobi Laki-laki exhibited daily white-and-gray or gray ash plumes rising as high as 2 000 m (6 600 feet) above the summit and drifting primarily north, northwest, west, and southwest during late September 2025. Nearby Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport, located 60 km (37 miles) west of the volcano, was temporarily closed on September 26–27 due to volcanic ash, causing flight disruptions. As of September 29, 2025, the Alert Level had been lowered to Level 3, with a safety exclusion zone of 6 km (3.7 miles) around the volcano’s center.

Lewotobi is a complex stratovolcano system consisting of two principal summits: Lewotobi Laki-laki and Lewotobi Perempuan. Known volcanic hazards include ashfall and potential pyroclastic flows. Populations living within a 6 km (3.7 miles) radius of the volcano, as well as the nearby town of Larantuka approximately 50 km (31 miles) northeast, may be at risk during significant eruptive events.