Volcanic ash from Lewotobi volcano reached 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 04:00 UTC on October 16, 2025. The advisory was issued by Darwin VAAC at 06:20 UTC on October 16, 2025.

According to the advisory, satellite data from Himawari-8 indicated that volcanic ash associated with the eruption had dissipated by the time of the most recent observation. There were no reports of new or ongoing eruption activity. The Aviation Color Code stated in the advisory was Red. No ash cloud was detected in satellite imagery at the time of the report, and the advisory has been terminated.

According to the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for the week of September 24 to September 30, 2025, daily white-and-gray or gray ash plumes with variable densities rose as high as 2 000 m (6 600 feet) above the summit of Lewotobi Laki-laki and drifted north, north-northwest, west, and southwest. Volcanic ash affected air traffic, causing the closure of Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport (60 km (37 miles) west) and the cancellation of six flights on September 26–27. The public was warned to stay 6 km (3.7 miles) away from the center of Laki-laki following a change in the Alert Level.

Lewotobi volcano is a large stratovolcano located in eastern Flores, Indonesia. It consists of two principal peaks, Lewotobi Lakilaki and Lewotobi Perempuan, forming an elongated complex. The volcano is known for producing explosive eruptions with associated hazards including ashfall and pyroclastic flows. Local villages situated within a radius of several kilometers are at risk from these hazards, as are nearby transportation routes and the regional airport in Maumere, approximately 60 km (37 miles) west of the volcano.