Fact Check: Authorities raised the alert level of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki to the most dangerous following the eruption on June 17, 2025.

What We Know

On June 17, 2025, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located in south-central Indonesia, erupted, releasing significant amounts of ash into the atmosphere. Reports confirm that the Indonesian Geological Agency raised the alert level of the volcano to the highest category, known as Level IV (Awas), following this eruption. The volcano emitted ash clouds reaching heights of approximately 10,000 meters (32,800 feet) and prompted authorities to expand the danger zone to 8 kilometers (about 5 miles) from the crater (AP News, Reuters, Al Jazeera).

The eruption was characterized by a rapid increase in volcanic activity, with the agency noting that there were 50 significant volcanic events recorded in just two hours, a stark contrast to the usual 8 to 10 events per day. The ash cloud was visible from cities located as far as 150 kilometers (nearly 93 miles) away (Sky News, NY Post).

Analysis

The claim that authorities raised the alert level of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki to the most dangerous level following the eruption on June 17, 2025, is supported by multiple credible sources. The Indonesian Geological Agency's official statement, reported by various news outlets, confirms the elevation of the alert level to Level IV (Awas), which is indeed the highest alert status for volcanic activity in Indonesia (AP News, Reuters, Al Jazeera).

The reliability of these sources is high; they include established news organizations such as the Associated Press, Reuters, and Al Jazeera, all of which have a history of accurate reporting on geological events. Additionally, the information aligns with the standard procedures followed by Indonesian authorities in response to volcanic eruptions, given the country's location along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," where seismic activity is frequent.

However, it is important to note that while there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, residents were advised to remain vigilant due to the potential for heavy rainfall to trigger lava flows from the volcano (Sky News, NY Post). This precautionary measure underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for ongoing monitoring.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that authorities raised the alert level of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki to the most dangerous level following the eruption on June 17, 2025, is accurate. Multiple credible sources confirm that the alert was indeed raised to Level IV (Awas), indicating a significant threat from the volcanic activity.

Fact Check: Authorities raised the alert level of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki to the most dangerous following the eruption on June 17, 2025.