Fact Check: "The danger zone around the Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano was expanded to about five miles from the crater following the eruption."
What We Know
On June 17, 2025, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located in south-central Indonesia, erupted, resulting in significant volcanic activity. The Indonesian Geology Agency reported that the eruption prompted authorities to raise the alert level to the highest status and expand the danger zone to 8 kilometers (approximately 5 miles) from the crater (AP News). This expansion was a response to the volcano emitting towering columns of hot ash, with the eruption producing ash clouds that reached heights of 10,000 meters (about 32,800 feet) (AP News).
The volcano has a history of eruptions, including a notable event in November 2024 that resulted in fatalities and injuries, which underscores the potential danger posed by this geological feature (Al Jazeera).
Analysis
The claim that the danger zone around Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki was expanded to about five miles following the eruption is supported by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press, a reputable news organization, confirmed that the danger zone was indeed extended to 8 kilometers (5 miles) after the eruption on June 17, 2025 (AP News).
Furthermore, additional reports from other news outlets, including The Washington Post and Al Jazeera, corroborate this information, stating that the alert level was raised and the danger zone was expanded due to the volcanic activity (Washington Post, Al Jazeera). The consistency across these sources adds to the reliability of the information.
The sources used are credible and well-regarded in the field of journalism, particularly in reporting on natural disasters and geological events. They provide detailed accounts of the eruption and its implications for local residents, including warnings about potential lava flows and the need for vigilance in the face of heavy rainfall (AP News, Reuters).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the danger zone around the Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano was expanded to about five miles from the crater following the eruption is accurate. Multiple reliable sources confirm that the danger zone was officially set to 8 kilometers (approximately 5 miles) in response to the volcanic activity observed during the eruption.
Sources
- Alert raised to the highest level after Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki ...
- Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki Spews Ash
- Alert raised to the highest level after Indonesia's Mount ...
- Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano erupts, prompting alert ...
- Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki spews 11 kilometre ...
- Lewotobi Laki-laki
- Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano erupts, alert at highest ...
- Alert Raised to the Highest Level After Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki ...