Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki spewed a huge column of ash approximately 18 kilometers into the air on Monday. The volcano has erupted three times in 2025, prompting new warnings from authorities and the volcanology agency. The eruption occurred at 11:05 am local time, as stated in a report published by the Indonesian volcanology agency and cited by AFP.

“A Lewotobi Laki-Laki Volcano eruption took place. With the height of the observed ash column around 18,000 m above the summit,” the agency added.

Authorities remain on standby for secondary threats, although they have not reported any immediate casualties or damage. The agency has issued a warning on the threat of lahars—hazardous flows of volcanic debris and mud, particularly if heavy rains fall on the affected area.

Japan Too Is Affected By Volcanic Eruption In The Wake Of Seismic Activity

Days before the Indonesian eruption, Japan witnessed a strong eruption of Shinmoedake, which is a part of the Kirishima volcano complex located on the southern island of Kyushu. It erupted around 3:30 pm local time on Thursday, July 3, and released a thick ash plume roughly 6.7 kilometers high into the air.

The eruption occurred against the backdrop of severe seismic activity in the area, such as more than 1,000 minor tremors and a 5.5-magnitude quake close to the Tokara Islands. Owing to the increasing volcanic restlessness, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) had previously raised the alert level for Shinmoedake to Level 3 on June 27.

After the blast, Japanese officials cautioned residents of hazards within 2 miles of the crater, including pyroclastic flows, fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic material, and falling rock from the volcano.

The consecutive eruptions in Indonesia and Japan underscore the increasing geological activity in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically and volcanically active region.