The volcano in West Sumatran province erupted at least twice by 10.37am local time today, the agency said, urging the evacuation of people within 4.5km of the centre of the eruption, with the possibility of lava flows in rivers and valleys.

“In case ash rain falls, we urge residents to also use masks in order to prevent respiratory illness,” the agency said.

In December, more than 20 people were killed after Marapi, one of Sumatra’s most active volcanoes, erupted and spewed grey clouds of ash as high as 3km.

Indonesia straddles the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’, an area of high seismic activity atop multiple tectonic plates.

Volcanic ash from today’s eruption covered nearby houses, vehicles and evacuation tents set up by the local disaster agency, Reuters footage showed.

A number of residents went to health facilities for respiratory check-ups, while the authorities distributed masks.