Overview

• The Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano on Flores Island erupted on May 19, sending a five-kilometer-high ash column into the sky, according to the PVMBG.
• Authorities raised the alert to Level IV, Indonesia's highest, and extended exclusion zones to seven kilometers in some areas.
• Residents and tourists were advised to wear masks to protect against inhaling hazardous volcanic ash.
• Warnings were issued about the risk of lahars, or volcanic mudflows, in case of heavy rainfall in the region.
• It remains unclear if the eruption will disrupt air travel, including flights to and from the nearby tourist hub of Bali.