Rescue workers are sifting through smoldering debris and thick mud in search of survivors a day after a volcano on Indonesia’s island of Flores erupted, killing at least nine people with its searing lava and ash.

Pope Francis has offered his prayers and sympathies to the victims of the deadly volcanic eruption in Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki that killed nine people and forced thousands of locals to evacuate.

The authorities warned of more volcanic activity at Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, which has erupted dozens of times in the past few weeks.

Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency says that at least ten people have died as a series of volcanic eruptions widens on the remote island of Flores.

The Indonesian volcano monitoring agency said at least 10,000 people have been affected by the eruption in Wulanggitang District, across the six nearby villages of Pululera, Nawokote, Hokeng Jaya, Klatanlo, Boru and Boru Kedang.

Indonesia Volcano Eruption Covers Village in Ash International video coverage from The New York Times. International video coverage from The New York Times. 4:30 0:39 NOW PLAYING 0:43 1:00 2:49 1:08 0

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.

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.

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