Indonesia volcano eruption kills 10, sets villages aflame

A volcano in eastern Indonesia erupted overnight killing at least ten people as it spewed fireballs and ash on surrounding villages, officials said, as they raised its alert status to the highest level.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a 1,703-metre twin volcano located on the popular tourist island of Flores, first erupted shortly before midnight, forcing authorities to evacuate several villages.

"Six fatalities have been confirmed," Abdul Muhari, spokesman of the country's disaster mitigation agency (BNPB), told Kompas TV.

 "According to our coordination with the local authorities, six fatalities have been confirmed," Abdul Muhari, spokesman of the country's disaster management agency said Monday in an interview on Kompas tv.