Fact Check: "Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki last erupted in May 2025, prompting authorities to raise the alert level to the most severe."
What We Know
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located in south-central Indonesia, is an active volcano that has experienced significant eruptions in recent years. The most recent eruption occurred on June 17, 2025, during which the volcano expelled towering columns of hot ash and prompted authorities to raise the alert level to the highest category. According to reports from the Associated Press and Al Jazeera, the Indonesian Geological Agency recorded the volcano releasing ash clouds that reached heights of 10,000 meters (approximately 32,800 feet). This eruption followed a series of volcanic activities, significantly increasing the danger level and expanding the danger zone to 8 kilometers (about 5 miles) from the crater.
Analysis
The claim that Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki last erupted in May 2025 is inaccurate. The volcano's last eruption was confirmed to be in June 2025, as detailed in multiple reliable sources, including Reuters and New York Post. These sources provide consistent information regarding the timing and nature of the eruption, emphasizing that the alert level was raised due to the volcanic activity observed in June, not May.
The reliability of the sources used in this fact-check is high. The Associated Press and Reuters are well-respected news organizations known for their accurate reporting, especially on matters of natural disasters and geological events. The consistency across these reports further supports the conclusion that the claim is false.
Conclusion
The claim that "Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki last erupted in May 2025, prompting authorities to raise the alert level to the most severe" is False. The volcano's last significant eruption occurred on June 17, 2025, which led to the alert level being raised, contradicting the assertion that it happened in May.
