JAKARTA - Mount Dukono, located in North Halmahera Regency of Indonesia's eastern Maluku province, erupted early Saturday, prompting the country's Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center to issue the highest aviation warning.

At 6:15 am local time, the volcano spewed a column of ash up to 4,800 meters into the sky. The gray-to-black ash cloud dispersed northwest of the crater.

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Authorities issued the highest aviation alert, designating a red Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation status, prohibiting flights at altitudes within six kilometers of the volcano. A 3-km-radius danger zone around the crater has also been established.

Residents are advised to carry and wear face masks as eruptions could occur without warning.

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Standing 1,335 meters high, Mount Dukono is one of Indonesia's 127 active volcanoes.