Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, an active volcano on the eastern Indonesian island of Flores, erupted early on Monday, killing at least nine people, a local official said.

Avi Manggota Hallan, head of emergency response and logistics for East Flores district, said rescue teams were still searching for potential victims trapped under the rubble of collapsed homes.

“We are still conducting assessments, and there may be more casualties,” Mr Hallan told dpa.

The eruption triggered panic among residents of nearby villages, with many fleeing their homes as ash and debris rained down.

“Emergency response efforts are ongoing, with the government declaring a state of emergency in the affected areas until Dec. 31,” Mr Hallan said.

The eruption prompted authorities to raise the alert level to the highest level and order evacuations of nearby villages.

The volcano began showing signs of increased activity on Nov. 1, according to the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG).

The centre said in a statement that eruptions had intensified in recent days, with heightened seismic activity and rising ash plumes.

PVMBG said a seven-kilometre exclusion zone has been established around the volcano.

Indonesia, an archipelago nation straddling the Pacific Ring of Fire, faces frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. 

(dpa/NAN)