Mount Lewotobi volcano erupts as toxic ash billows into the sky

Rumbling Mount Lewotobi is coughing ash for the second time in a week (Image: Getty)

Indonesia’s rumbling Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki has erupted for the second time in two weeks, sending a column of thick ash as high as 18 kilometers (11 miles) into the sky. Panicked locals have awoken to a huge covering of ash and volcanic material.

Indonesia’s Geology Agency said in a statement it recorded the volcano unleashing an avalanche of searing gas clouds down its slopes during the eruption prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency in the region. Those in the area are being warned of the possibility of hazardous lahar floods — a type of mud or debris flow of volcanic materials — if heavy rain occurs, particularly for communities near rivers. Residents and tourists are banned from approaching the crater within a 6-kilometer (3.7 miles) radius.

Thick ash is billowing 11 miles into the sky (Image: Getty)

Local authorities are yet to report any damage or deaths in the wake of this morning's eruption.

Dramatic footage show clouds of thick ash billowing from the crater, turning the sky grey.

The MAGMA agency said the volcano unleashed an avalanche of searing gas clouds down the slopes of Mount Lewotobi during the eruption.

"An eruption of Lewotobi Laki-Laki Volcano occurred … with the observed ash column height reaching approximately 18,000m above the summit," the agency said.

Striking videos circulating on social media show that ashfall has completely covered the village of Boru. Located just below Mount Lewotobi hordes of villagers can be seen fleeing the danger zone.

This morning's dramatic events has sparked chaos for travellers with at least five return international flights operating between Australia and Bali having been cancelled and multiple others delayed.

Clouds of thick ash billowing from the crater, turning the sky grey (Image: Getty)

A spokesperson for Virgin Australia said their airlines services were among those impacted, those due to jet off today are being urged to keep an eye on the status of their flight.

They told ABC: "Some Virgin Australia Bali services have been cancelled following the eruption of Mount Lewotobi earlier today.

"The safety of our guests and crew is our highest priority and our team of expert meteorologists are closely monitoring the situation and ash cloud activity.

"We regret the impact of this on guests' travel plans and encourage guests travelling to or from Bali to closely monitor their flight status via the Virgin Australia website or app."

The same volcano erupted in June, forcing everyone within a two-mile radius to flee its lethal currents of hot gas and debris. The Australian Government also issued a red alert for aircraft in the vicinity. 

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