Indonesia’s Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano erupted violently on Thursday night, sending thick ash clouds more than 8 kilometres (5 miles) into the sky, prompting authorities to raise the alert level to its highest status.
The massive eruption, which follows a series of smaller ones since March 13, has also led to flight disruptions, including cancellations by an Australian airline, according to the news agency Reuters.
The volcano, located in East Nusa Tenggara province, has been experiencing heightened activity for over a week.
Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation has now imposed strict safety measures, warning residents and tourists to stay at least 7-8 kilometres (4.4-5 miles) away from the volcano’s southwest and northeast sectors, reported Al Jazeera.
The volcanic ash has raised concerns over air travel, particularly for flights to and from Bali, a major tourist destination. Volcanic ash can be hazardous to aircraft engines, making flight safety a priority.
Indonesia, which sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is home to more than 120 active volcanoes.
