A volcano in eastern Indonesia erupted overnight, killing at least 10 people as it spewed fireballs and ash on surrounding villages, officials said Monday as they raised the alert to its highest level.

On Friday, the volcano emitted its largest recorded ash plume to date, soaring 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) into the air.

Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency said Monday that at least 10 people have died as a series of volcanic eruptions widens on the remote island of Flores.

Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted several times on Friday, belching volcanic ash that rose up to 10 km (32,800 ft) into the sky, officials said, following a big eruption on Sunday night that killed nine people.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia has erupted repeatedly, claiming at least nine lives and forcing thousands from their homes.