This is the terrifying moment Mount Ile Lewotolok erupted in southeastern Indonesia, sending a 1,640ft ash column into the sky.

Dramatic footage shows the volcano spewing hot clouds and smoke into the air over Lembata Island, in East Nusa Tenggara Province, on August 21.

Ghievara, a local tour guide from Lembata, said he was leading three Russian tourists on a hike when the eruption occurred.

He added: 'Our hiking route and location were in a safe area, not in the path of the volcanic material. Even though the volcano is active, we still climbed, although we had to be more careful.'

The group was able to return safely to the foot of the mountain.

On Friday, authorities said the volcano had erupted at least 38 times.

Syawaludin, an officer at the Ile Lewotolok Volcano Observation Post, said: 'We observed 38 eruptions with heights ranging from 660 to 980 feet, producing white and grey smoke. The eruption was accompanied by weak to moderate rumbling.'

Mount Ile Lewotolok, also known as Lewotolo or Gunung Api Lewotolok, is a stratovolcano located in the north-central part of Lembata Island. It rises to an elevation of approximately 4,670ft above sea level.