Jakarta: Thick columns of volcanic ash burst into the sky after Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted Monday, the country's Geology Agency said. The eruption sent a column of volcanic materials as high as 18 kilometers (11 miles) into the sky and deposited ash on villages. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

According to Anadolu Agency, the volcano unleashed an avalanche of searing gas clouds down its slopes, prompting the agency to increase the volcano's alert status to the highest level following an earlier eruption on June 18. This latest eruption comes just months after a deadly incident last November, where at least nine people were killed and dozens were injured. The 1,584-meter (5,197-foot) mountain also erupted in March but fortunately caused no casualties.

Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki is a twin volcano with Mount Lewotobi Perempuan, located in the district of Flores Timur. Indonesia, with its 120 active volcanoes, sits along the 'Ring of Fire,' a string of seismic fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin. This geographical position makes the country particularly prone to volcanic activity and earthquakes.

In addition to the volcanic eruption, Jakarta, the capital city, has been experiencing significant flooding. Dozens of neighborhoods were inundated due to heavy rain that has been pouring since Saturday, as reported by the local English daily Jakarta Globe.