Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano erupted in Indonesia early this morning, sending a towering ash cloud 10 kilometres into the sky above nearby homes.

The Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Centre reported that the volcano, located in East Nusa Tenggara, burst into activity at 1:35 am local time today.

Authorities have issued a red-level aviation warning - the highest alert - advising aircraft to avoid flying below 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) near the crater due to the risk of volcanic ash disrupting flight paths.

The eruption had a maximum amplitude of 47.3 millimetres and lasted 3 minutes and 1 second.

Officials urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant, warning of the potential for rain-induced lahar flooding in rivers that originate from the summit.

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

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