Fact Check: Authorities raised the alert level of the Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano to the most dangerous level following the eruption on June 17, 2025.
What We Know
On June 17, 2025, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia erupted, producing significant volcanic activity. Reports indicate that the volcano emitted towering columns of hot ash, with some estimates stating that ash clouds reached heights of approximately 10,000 meters (about 32,800 feet) (AP News). Following this eruption, the Indonesian Geological Agency raised the alert level to the highest category, Level 4, and expanded the danger zone to 8 kilometers from the crater (Reuters, Al Jazeera).
Prior to this eruption, the alert level had been at Level 3, which indicates a significant level of volcanic activity, and the public was advised to maintain a safe distance of 6 kilometers from the volcano (Global Volcanism Program).
Analysis
The claim that authorities raised the alert level of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki to the most dangerous level following the June 17 eruption is supported by multiple credible sources. The AP News article provides a detailed account of the eruption, including the specifics of the alert level change and the expansion of the danger zone. Similarly, Reuters corroborates this information, confirming the alert level was indeed raised to the highest level due to the significant volcanic activity.
The reliability of these sources is high; both AP News and Reuters are established news organizations known for their rigorous reporting standards. They provide timely updates on natural disasters and have a history of accurate reporting on volcanic activity in Indonesia, a country with frequent seismic events.
In contrast, while the Global Volcanism Program offers historical context about the volcano's activity, it does not specifically address the June 17 eruption or the subsequent alert level change. Therefore, while it is a valuable resource for understanding the volcano's activity over time, it does not directly support the claim regarding the recent alert level change.
Conclusion
The claim that authorities raised the alert level of the Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano to the most dangerous level following the eruption on June 17, 2025, is True. This conclusion is based on multiple credible reports confirming the alert level change and the circumstances surrounding the eruption.
Sources
- Global Volcanism Program | Lewotobi
- Alert raised to the highest level after Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki ...
- Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki spews 11 kilometre ...
- Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano erupts, alert at highest level
- Volcano alert elevated to highest level after Indonesia's Mount ...
