At least 10 people have died due to a series of eruptions from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in eastern Indonesia, prompting authorities to raise the alert level to the highest tier on their four-level system.

The eruptions, which occurred overnight, sent ash and lava into surrounding areas, leading to the evacuation of several villages.

According to Abdul Muhari, spokesman for the country’s disaster management agency, six fatalities have been officially confirmed.

Footage from the scene revealed villages enveloped in thick ash, with some areas experiencing fires as lava impacted wooden structures and created pockmarks in the ground.

The volcano erupted multiple times, first just before midnight and then again at 1:27 AM and 2:48 AM local time. In response to the escalating activity, the volcanology agency has advised locals and tourists to avoid any activities within a 7-kilometer (approximately 4.3 miles) radius of the crater.

Authorities have also urged residents to wear masks to protect against volcanic ash.

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This eruption follows a history of significant volcanic activity at Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which had major eruptions in January, leading to the evacuation of around 2,000 residents.

Indonesia, situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” frequently experiences volcanic eruptions due to its geological activity.