Mount Lokon volcano in North Sulawesi has erupted spewing thick ash that has enveloped three neighbouring villages<br/> <br />A loud boom was heard on Monday, followed by lava shooting up to 2,000 metres into the air.<br/> <br />Cars, trees and buildings are blanketed in a thick layer of ash.<br/> <br />Indonesian authorities have placed Tomohon City on the third highest alert level.<br/> <br />Officials have not advised residents to leave the area so far but villagers have been warned not to go within 2.5 kilometres of the crater.<br/> <br />Volcanologists say the 1,689 metre-high mountain has been erupting since July 2011.
