Watch: Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupts, sends ash 10km into sky

Authorities in Indonesia have raised the volcano alert to its highest level after Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted, sending a column of volcanic ash an estimated 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) into the sky.

The eruption occurred on the eastern island of Flores shortly after midnight on Wednesday, lasting for approximately nine minutes, with an earlier eruption having taken place two hours prior.

While there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, local officials have issued stringent warnings. The country’s Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation urged residents and tourists to stay at least 6 to 7 kilometres (3.7 to 4.3 miles) away from the volcano’s site and to be prepared for potential evacuation.

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The head of the Geological Agency, Muhammad Wafid, also cautioned people living nearby about the potential danger of volcanic mudflow should heavy rain occur.

The widespread ash plume has caused significant disruption to air travel. Operations were suspended at the Fransiskus Xaverius Seda Airport in the town of Maumere, located about 60 kilometres west of the volcano, and the airport is expected to remain closed until Thursday.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which stands at 1,584 metres (5,080 feet), has a history of intense activity; a previous eruption in July sent an even higher ash cloud into the sky, forcing cancellations at Bali’s international airport.

Indonesia is home to over 120 active volcanoes and is situated on the seismically active Pacific “Ring of Fire.”