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

According to the advisory, ash was observed between the surface and 6 700 m (22 000 feet) and was moving west at approximately 19 km/h (12 mph). The observation was based on Himawari-8 satellite imagery and data from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM). The current Aviation Color Code is Red. Ash is expected to dissipate within 3 to 6 hours. No further forecast ash cloud heights were provided in this advisory.

The Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for September 24–30, 2025, noted that 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. On September 26 and early September 27, volcanic ash caused Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport, located 60 km (37 miles) west, to close and led to flight cancellations. The alert level was lowered to 3 on September 29, and the public was advised to remain at least 6 km (3.7 miles) from the center of Laki-laki.

Lewotobi is a complex stratovolcano located on the eastern end of Flores Island, Indonesia. It comprises two cones—Lewotobi Laki-laki (the “male” volcano) and Lewotobi Perempuan (the “female” volcano). The region is sparsely populated, but several villages lie within a 20 km (12 miles) radius. Known hazards at Lewotobi include ashfall, pyroclastic flows, lava flows, and lahars, with aviation and local populations at risk depending on wind directions and eruption size.