Fact Check: The ash cloud from the Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano could be seen from cities located up to 90 miles away.

Fact Check: "The ash cloud from the Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano could be seen from cities located up to 90 miles away."

What We Know

On June 17, 2025, the Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano in Indonesia erupted, producing a significant ash cloud that reached a height of approximately 6.8 miles (11 kilometers) into the atmosphere. Reports indicate that this mushroom-shaped ash cloud was visible from cities located up to 90 miles away in the East Nusa Tenggara province (Sky News, Yahoo). The Indonesian Geology Agency confirmed that the eruption's ash cloud was indeed observed from various locations, reinforcing the claim that it could be seen from such distances (Telegraph, Watchers).

Analysis

The claim that the ash cloud from the Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano could be seen from cities up to 90 miles away is supported by multiple credible sources. For instance, Sky News reported that the ash cloud was visible from cities as far as 90 miles from the volcano (Sky News). Similarly, other outlets, including Yahoo and the Telegraph, corroborated this information, noting that the ash plume was observed from distances ranging from 90 kilometers (about 56 miles) to 150 kilometers (approximately 93 miles) (Yahoo, Telegraph, Watchers).

The reliability of these sources is generally high; Sky News is a well-established news outlet, and the Indonesian Geology Agency is a credible authority on geological events. However, it is important to note that some reports may vary slightly in the exact distances mentioned, with some citing a maximum visibility of 150 kilometers. This variance does not detract from the core claim, as all sources agree on the substantial visibility of the ash cloud.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The evidence clearly supports the claim that the ash cloud from the Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano could be seen from cities located up to 90 miles away. Multiple credible sources confirm this observation, and the consistency across reports strengthens the validity of the claim.