Thousands have been evacuated after Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Indonesia’s Flores Island erupted twice on Wednesday, sending ash plumes up to 10 kilometers high and forcing authorities to raise the alert level to its maximum.

The first eruption occurred at 1:35 a.m., followed by another at 9:21 a.m., blanketing nearby villages in ash. Authorities established a seven-kilometer exclusion zone and warned of potential mudflows if heavy rain hits the ash-covered slopes.

Emergency teams have moved residents to temporary shelters, distributing masks and food supplies. The Maumere Airport was temporarily closed, though flights to Bali remain unaffected.

Mount Lewotobi, part of a twin-volcano system, is among Indonesia’s most active peaks. A deadly eruption in 2024 killed nine people and displaced thousands. Officials continue to monitor volcanic activity and urge residents to stay alert and follow safety instructions.