Jakarta, July 07 (QNA) - Indonesian authorities announced today the cancellation of more than 20 flights due to the eruption of the Leutopi Laki-Laki volcano, located east of Flores Island, which spewed thick columns of ash about 18 kilometers high.

Authorities confirmed that no injuries or damage have been reported so far, but the eruption has caused the cancellation and delay of numerous flights to and from Bali, including to several international airports.

General manager of Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on Bali, Ahmad Syaugi Shahab explained in a statement that several airlines have canceled or delayed flights to destinations including Labuan Bajo, Australia, Singapore, and South Korea, noting that the number of affected flights has reached 24 so far.

He added that "volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Leutupi in Indonesia has caused the cancellation of several flights between Bali and Australia."

For his part, Muhammad Wafid, director of the Indonesian Geology Agency, explained that the level of volcanic activity on the mountain is "very high, with explosive eruptions and continuous tremors." He urged residents to maintain a safety zone of at least six kilometers around the crater to avoid exposure to falling ash.

These developments come just weeks after similar disruptions in the region due to the same volcanic activity, which caused dozens of flights to be canceled last month and ashfall on surrounding towns, prompting authorities to evacuate at least one. (QNA)