JAKARTA, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province erupted on Wednesday, sending a column of ash up to 10 kilometers into the sky and prompting authorities to issue the highest-level aviation alert, the country's volcanology agency said.
The Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center reported that the volcano, located on Flores Island, recorded a strong eruption at 1:35 a.m. local time on Wednesday.
A Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation at the red level, the highest alert, has been issued to warn aircraft to avoid flying below 6 kilometers near the volcano due to potential ash clouds that could disrupt flights.
Local communities were also urged to remain vigilant for possible lava floods during heavy rains and to wear masks to reduce exposure to volcanic ash that may affect respiratory health.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, standing at 1,584 meters high, is among the 127 active volcanoes in Indonesia. ■