A red flight alert has been issued after a volcanic eruption caused a six-mile-high ash cloud in Indonesia.
The Australian Government issued the aviation alert as footage showed a blanket of ash pouring from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki.
The massive explosion has also raised concerns over a potential tsunami, with Japan's Meteorological Agency currently investigating.
Locals are pictured staring at the smoke as the mushroom cloud expanded.
The Australian government has issued the aviation alert as footage shows a blanket of ash pouring from Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki
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The twin peak volcano, located in the southeastern part of the island of Flores, Indonesia, has been extremely active over recent years.
Significant volcanic activity from Mount Lewotobi has been observed again over the last two days.
The country’s volcanology agency has warned that the alert, which is at the highest and most dangerous level, could mean lava flows if it rains.
The eruption was confirmed in a statement by the Volcano Observation Post Officer Yohanes Kolli Sorywutun.
Locals are pictured staring at the smoke as the mushroom cloud expanded
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He said: "There was an eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 5.35 WITA."
He added that there was an "observed ash column height of 10,000m above the peak (11,584 m above sea level)".
Indonesian authorities have advised those nearby to stay at least eight kilometres away from the tectonic event.
They also advised the public and tourists to "remain calm and follow the directions of the local government".
Indonesian authorities have advised those nearby to stay at least 8km away from the tectonic event
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Authorities also warned: "People around disaster-prone areas should be aware of the potential for lava floods if heavy rain occurs."
Officials said: "Residents affected by ash rain are advised to use masks or nose and mouth covers."
In November last year, 10 people died after Mount Lewotobi spewed a fiery column of lava.
In April 2024, a remote volcano in Indonesia erupted and sent a tower of ash more than five kilometres into the sky, resulting in thousands of people being evacuated and an international airport forced to close.
Mount Lewotobi has two peaks, the Lewotobi Laki-laki and Lewotobi Perempuan stratovolcanoes, which locals call "husband and wife" to reflect traditions.
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