On June 17, Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano with 2 peaks, about 1,584m high, located on the tourist island of Flores, east of Bali (Indonesia) broke out at 5:35 p.m. (local time).
According to the Indonesian volcanic Agency's warning, the volcano was about 10km high from the top of the mountain, leaving behind a column of ash " gray with high intensity", forcing dozens of flights to Bali to be canceled.
Indonesian authorities have raised the disaster warning level to the highest in the 4-level system to respond to the outbreak.
There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
The head of the geological agency Muhammad Wafid said residents and tourists should avoid any activities within at least 7km of the cape.
Wafid warned of the possibility of dangerous lahar flooding a type of mudflow or volcanic material debris if heavy rains occur, especially in communities near the river.
He also called on residents to wear masks to protect themselves from volcanic ash.
Many international airlines including Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, Air India, TigerAir simultaneously canceled flights to Bali on June 18.
However, according to an unnamed Bali airport customer service staff, Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali is still operating normally, but depending on the flight schedule, some flights have been canceled due to the volcano.
Spokesperson for the Indonesian Center for Fire and Geological Disaster Reduction (PVMBG) - Mr. Abdul Muhari - said that at least one village had to be evacuated, without providing specific data, and ashes and dust were reported in some villages outside the prohibited area.
The spokesperson called on residents around the volcano to "disperse to safe places" because the shaking was still being detected, suggesting volcanic activity was still ongoing.
