Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki in Indonesia erupted, sending ash 8,000 meters high, leading to evacuations, flight cancellations, and a 14-day emergency. Over 4,700 residents were evacuated, and authorities warn of possible volcanic mudslides.

A volcanic eruption on Indonesia's eastern island of Flores has expelled a towering column of ash reaching over 8,000 meters (26,000 feet) high, leading to evacuations and flight cancellations.

The Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano, located in East Nusa Tenggara province, began erupting on Thursday evening. According to Indonesia's Geological Agency, two more eruptions followed on Friday. Thick, gray ash clouds continued to billow from the volcano's crater throughout Friday, demonstrating the intensity of the ongoing activity.

The eruption has had significant impacts on air travel. Several flights between Australia and the popular tourist destination of Bali, located nearly 800 kilometers away, were canceled. As of 9:45 a.m. local time (0145 GMT) on Friday, seven international flights had been canceled — six Jetstar flights bound for Australia and one AirAsia flight to Kuala Lumpur — according to a statement from Andadina Dyah, a spokesperson for Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport.

In response to the heightened volcanic activity, authorities have elevated the eruption alert to its highest level. An exclusion zone spanning 7 to 8 kilometers (4.3 to 5 miles) around the volcano has been established to ensure the safety of the public.

Indonesia's disaster management agency reported on Friday that the local government has declared a 14-day emergency period and is actively coordinating response efforts. Agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari confirmed that more than 4,700 residents had been evacuated as of Friday. Some locals working on a plantation at the time of the eruption reported being burned by falling ash, as relayed to the Associated Press.

Authorities have also cautioned residents to remain alert in the coming days, warning that heavy rainfall could trigger dangerous volcanic mudslides. The potential for further hazardous conditions remains a significant concern.

This recent eruption is a stark reminder of the destructive power of Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, which erupted in November, killing nine people and injuring dozens more. Standing at 1,703 meters (5,587 feet), the volcano is part of Indonesia's extensive network of nearly 130 active volcanoes.

Indonesia lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its intense geological activity, including frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. This latest eruption underscores the ongoing risks faced by communities living in this volatile zone.