Indonesia's Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano erupts, on highest alert level

Motorists ride as mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki spews hot smoke in Flores Timur, Nusa Tenggara, Timur province on in this file picture from Jan 2, 2024. - AFP

JAKARTA: Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted anew on Wednesday (Jan 10), spewing ash clouds two kilometres (6,561 feet) above its peak as authorities raised the volcano's alert status to the highest level.

The eruption follows weeks of heightened volcanic activity on the mountain, located on eastern Indonesia's Flores Island, and prompted the local government to issue an evacuation order for nearby residents.