Watch: Volcano eruption spews humongous 18km ash cloud

Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted on Monday, July 7, spewing an 18-km ash cloud that billowed up into the sky.

The country’s national geological agency warned of the potential for lava flows into rivers upstream high on the volcano, and urged people to stay outside of a 7km radius of the center of the eruption.

As volcanic ash rained down on nearby villages, the agency urged people to wear masks or other mouth and nose coverings to protect against the dangers of inhalation.

It shared video and images of the eruption on its social media channels.

Australia’s Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Darwin issued a warning about the volcanic ash plume, saying it rose to an estimated 19.2km altitude and is moving at 30 knots in a westerly direction.

“Explosive activity continues,” the VAAC warning said.

This is a developing article. Updates to follow.