Imagine waking up to a gray sky, not because of the usual morning fog, but due to a massive volcanic eruption in Indonesia. The Lewotobi Lakilaki volcano, a twin-peaked giant on the island of Flores, has unleashed its fury, spewing dark ash over 8 kilometers into the air. This isn’t just a scene from a movie; it’s the harsh reality that’s grounding flights and disrupting travel plans for thousands.
The nearby Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali is feeling the effects, with at least 7 international flights cancelled, including 6 Jetstar flights to Australia and 1 AirAsia flight to Kuala Lumpur. The airport authorities are working around the clock to minimize the impact, but the volcanic ash cloud is making it difficult to operate safely. For instance, a family of four, who were supposed to fly back to Australia, are now stranded in Bali, trying to find alternative flights.
The volcano’s eruption, which started on Thursday evening, has also led to the postponement of several domestic and international flights, including those to Thailand, Singapore, and Australia. The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation has assured that the local airport in Maumere, the closest to the volcano, is operating normally, but the situation is being closely monitored.
The Indonesian Volcanological Survey reported that the ash cloud is dense and dark, with a high concentration of particles. The eruption began around 11 pm on Thursday, and the agency has raised the alert level to the highest level on its 4-level system. The authorities have also warned of possible lahars, or mudflows, due to heavy rain in the area, and have designated a 7-8 kilometer no-go zone around the volcano.
This isn’t the first time the Lewotobi Lakilaki volcano has made headlines. In November, it erupted multiple times, resulting in 9 deaths, numerous flight cancellations, and the evacuation of thousands of people. The local communities are on high alert, and the authorities are doing their best to mitigate the effects of the eruption.
As the situation continues to unfold, travelers are advised to check with their airlines for updates and to follow the instructions of local authorities. The Indonesian government is working to ensure the safety of everyone in the affected areas, and the international community is watching closely. In the meantime, the people of Indonesia are bracing themselves for the potential consequences of this powerful volcanic eruption.
Source: channelnewsasia