Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted on Tuesday and Wednesday, unleashing gigantic ash plumes and showering villages with volcanic debris.

LEMBATA, Indonesia (AP) — Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano in south-central Indonesia erupted on Tuesday, spewing towering columns of hot ash into the air. Authorities raised the eruption alert to the highest level and expanded the danger zone to about 5 miles from the crater.

For many, the serene beauty of Indonesia’s archipelago evokes images of pristine beaches and lush landscapes. But beneath this idyllic surface, the “Ring of Fire” country frequently reminds the world of its volatile geological nature.