Indonesia volcano erupts on same island hit by earthquake and tsunami

A volcano has erupted on the same central Indonesian island hit by a devastating earthquake and tsunami five days ago. Mount Soputan, in North Sulawesi province, began spewing ash 6,000 metres (19,600 feet) into the sky on Wednesday morning.

Authorities warned about the risk to planes from volcanic ash in the air. A huge aid operation is under way on the island for survivors with no access to electricity or running water.

It comes after at least 1,340 people are known to have died after a 7.5-magnitude quake struck just off the island on Friday, triggering a tsunami that engulfed the coastal city of Palu.

The volcanic eruption status was raised from an alert to standby 2.5 miles from the summit of Mouth Soputan.

Standby status means the public should avoid the area nearest the volcano and have masks available in the event of ashfall.

No evacuations were immediately ordered, but planes were warned of the ash clouds because volcanic ash is hazardous for engines.