Volcanic Eruption in Eastern Indonesia Forces Airport Closure

(Jakarta, 5th综合外电报道) Indonesian authorities said Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in the eastern part of the country erupted multiple times today, sending volcanic ash high into the sky and forcing the closure of a local airport.

According to AFP, the Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) stated in a statement that Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Flores Island erupted at 11:15 a.m., with volcanic material reaching 2.5 kilometers into the air.

The volcano erupted several times earlier today and is currently on the second-highest alert level in Indonesia, with a 5-kilometer exclusion zone around the crater.

The PVMBG also warned residents living near rivers to be vigilant, as heavy rain could easily trigger dangerous hazards such as volcanic mudflows (lahars).

The head of the airport in the town of Maumere on Flores Island said authorities have suspended airport operations, affecting five domestic flights.