Mount Lokon in Indonesia erupted on Sunday shooting hot ash and smoke thousands of feet into the air and sending panicked villagers fleeing.

The volatile volcano located on northern Sulawesi island, has been dormant for years but rumbled back to life late last week.

A series of overnight blasts Thursday and Friday claimed one life - a woman who suffered a heart attack as she fled.

More than 33,000 people live along the slopes of Mount Lokon, taking advantage of fertile soil to grow cloves and coffee. About 5,000 of them with homes nearest to the crater have been relocated in recent days to schools, mosques and other makeshift shelters near the base.

Mount Lokon is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. It erupted in 1991, killing a Swiss hiker.

Mount Lokon spews volcanic ash
Mount Lokon spews hot lava and volcanic ash during an eruption in Tomohon in Indonesia's North Sulawesi province Reuters
Mount Lokon spews volcanic ash
Mount Lokon spews hot lava and volcanic ash during an eruption in Tomohon in Indonesia's North Sulawesi province Reuters
Mount Lokon spews volcanic ash
Residents look on as Mount Lokon spews volcanic ash during an eruption in July. Reuters
Mount Lokon spews volcanic ash
Residents look on as Mount Lokon spews volcanic ash during an eruption in Tomohon in Indonesia's North Sulawesi province Reuters
Mount Lokon spews volcanic ash
Residents look on as Mount Lokon spews volcanic ash during an eruption in Tomohon in Indonesia's North Sulawesi province Reuters