This is the dramatic moment a towering 32,000ft ash column shot into the sky as Mount Lewotobi volcano erupted in Indonesia.

Hundreds of residents were evacuated as the volcano erupted in East Nusa Tenggara Province shortly after 5:35 pm local time yesterday, June 17.

The hot ash expanded into a mushroom-shaped cloud that could be seen from the cities up to 56 miles from the crater.

The Indonesian government's volcanology department said: 'The public and tourists are urged not to carry out activities within a radius of 6 km from the eruption centre, and to remain calm and follow directions from the local government. The public is also asked not to trust information whose source is not clear.

'In addition, communities around disaster-prone areas should be aware of the potential for lava flooding in the event of heavy rain, especially in watersheds upstream at the top of G. Lewotobi Laki, such as in Dulipali, Nobo, Hokeng Jaya, and Nurabelen. Residents affected by the ash rain are encouraged to wear masks or nose and mouth coverings to protect the respiratory tract.'

Lewotobi has two twin craters - Lewotobi Laki-laki and Lewotobi Perempuan - and has shown increased activity since 2023.

It is located on Flores Island, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its high seismic and volcanic activity due to the movement of tectonic plates.