Indonesia’s Geology Agency said in a statement it recorded the volcano unleashing 10,000 meters (about 32,800 feet) of thick grey clouds on Tuesday afternoon, following significant volcanic activities, including 50 in two hours, rather than the usual daily 8 to 10 activities.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano in south-central Indonesia has erupted, spewing towering columns of hot ash into the air and prompting authorities to both raise the alert to the highest level and expand the danger zone to 8km (5 miles) from the crater.

Urgent evacuation alerts were issued after a volcano spewed ash 32,000ft into the air, unleashing a 6.8 mile-high ash cloud into the sky and affecting Australian airspace