The Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano in southeastern Indonesia erupted spectacularly on Tuesday night, blasting thick gray ash at least 5,000 meters, or about 16,000 feet, above its peak, the country’s volcanic agency reported.
There were no reports of injuries in the immediate aftermath. The ash plume was reported to be visible as far as 100 miles away.
Video of the moment of eruption showed an already smoking mountain suddenly belching forth black smoke and flames.
The government agency urged people to stay at least four to five miles away from the volcano, which is on the island of Flores. It warned that a shower of ash or a lava flow triggered by rain could follow.
In the hours before the eruption, smoke was seen coming from the mountain, and there was a significant increase in minor, deep earthquakes: 50 were detected in two hours when eight to 10 would usually be expected in a day. More serious earthquakes were a concern after the eruption.
The thousands of islands of Indonesia have among the most active volcanoes in the world. Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki also erupted last November, killing 10 people and triggering more than a dozen earthquakes.
“Laki-laki” in the name of the mountain indicates “male.” Its nearby sister mountain, Lewotobi Perempuan, erupts less often. “Perempuan” means “female.”
Victor Mather, who has been a reporter and editor at The Times for 25 years, covers sports and breaking news.
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