This children’s article, Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupts in Indonesia, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It helps children learn about volcanoes, natural events, and how people stay safe during eruptions. Written by Mark Pulley, an experienced teacher and writer.
What happened at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki?
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, started erupting on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. It sent huge clouds of ash and smoke nearly seven miles (11 kilometres) high into the sky! That’s even higher than Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth!.
Because of the eruption, people living in nearby villages had to move to safe places. The volcanic ash even covered roads and roofs. In the busy skies above, many flights to and from Bali, a popular nearby tourist island, were cancelled or delayed.
Officials raised the alert to the highest level, telling everyone to stay away from the volcano. They also warned about possible lava flows if it rains heavily.
Why does this volcano erupt so often?
Indonesia is special because it sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” This is a huge circle of volcanoes and earthquakes caused by huge pieces of the Earth’s crust, called tectonic plates, moving and bumping into each other. When these plates move, volcanoes like Lewotobi Laki-laki can erupt.
The volcano has erupted several times in recent months, including in May 2025. Scientists are watching closely because tremors (small earthquakes) are still happening, showing the volcano is still active
Article vocabulary list
- Volcano – A mountain that can send out hot lava, ash, and gases
- Eruption – When a volcano releases lava, ash, or gases
- Ash – Tiny pieces of rock and glass that come from a volcano during an eruption
- Lava – Hot melted rock that flows from a volcano
- Tectonic plates – Huge pieces of the Earth’s crust that move and sometimes cause earthquakes or volcanoes
- Alert level – A warning system to show how dangerous a volcano is
- Tremors – Small earthquakes that often happen when a volcano is active
- Lahar – A dangerous flow of mud, water, and volcanic materials, often caused by rain
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. Why does Indonesia have so many volcanoes?
a) Because it is very cold
b) It is on the Pacific Ring of Fire where tectonic plates meet
c) It has many rivers
Answer: b) It is on the Pacific Ring of Fire where tectonic plates meet
2. What should people do when the alert level is raised to the highest?
a) Stay close to the volcano
b) Avoid the area and move to safety
c) Fly a plane over the volcano
Answer: b) Avoid the area and move to safety
3. What is a lahar?
a) A type of volcano
b) A flow of mud and volcanic material caused by rain
c) A volcano scientist
Answer: b) Over 20,000
4. How high did the ash cloud from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki reach?
a) About 2 miles
b) Nearly 7 miles
c) 20 miles
Answer: b) Nearly 7 miles
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
