FLORES ISLAND, INDONESIA – Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, located in the southeastern part of Flores Island, Indonesia, has unleashed a significant eruption, spewing ash clouds over 8 kilometers (5 miles) into the atmosphere. The powerful eruption has led to flight disruptions and prompted authorities to raise the emergency warning to its highest level for residents and tourists.

The eruption, which began at 10:56 pm local time on Thursday (14:56 GMT), produced a “grey to black” ash column with “thick intensity,” according to Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation. The agency has issued a strict warning to locals and visitors, advising them to avoid activities within a 7-8 kilometer (4.4-5 mile) radius in the southwest and northeast sectors of the volcano.

"The ash column was observed grey to black with thick intensity," the volcanology agency stated.

While there were no immediate reports of damage to nearby villages, the agency cautioned residents about the potential for volcanic mudflows due to heavy rainfall. The sustained eruption has triggered the country's geological agency to elevate the volcano's alert level to the highest of its four-tiered system, signaling a critical situation.

The eruption has also significantly impacted air travel. Jetstar, the low-cost subsidiary of Australia’s Qantas Airways, cancelled flights from Australia to the popular Indonesian tourist destination of Bali on Friday morning due to the volcanic ash. However, flights were expected to resume by the afternoon.

A spokesperson for Bali's airport confirmed to Reuters that the airport remained operational, despite the cancellation of seven international flights and delays to domestic routes.

Following the eruption, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning, which fortunately did not materialize.

This is not the first time Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has erupted. The volcano previously experienced an eruption in November, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 people and the displacement of thousands of residents.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and urge residents to remain vigilant and follow all safety advisories.