The Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano erupted in Indonesia yesterday, sending a towering ash cloud 10 kilometres into the sky.

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 on October 15.

Footage shows students and faculty observing the eruption from a distance, with some continuing to play on a nearby court despite the dramatic blast in the background.

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.