"Mount Egon began to spew smoke this morning and we are trying to evacuate the population on its slopes," said Domi Pariera, secretary of the Sikka district in the eastern island of Flores.

He said authorities, in cooperation with local businessmen, were sending trucks to take people to Maumere, 25 kilometers (15 miles) east of the 1,703-meter (5,620-foot) volcano.

"We have already evacuated some 300 people and many more are still on their way or waiting for the trucks to take them," Pareira told AFP.

He said a team of experts was heading to the volcano to determine the danger level.

The Indonesian archipelago sits on the so-called "Pacific Rim of Fire" noted for its volcanic and seismic activity.

TERRA.WIRE