 -- Papua New Guinea's Tavurvur volcano spewed smoke and ash into the air today, with residents in the South Pacific nation evacuated and flights disrupted.

Communities near the volcano were evacuated, while residents of the town of Rabaul were advised to remain indoors to avoid falling ash, according to a statement from Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Australia’s Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre issued an advisory after the eruption. Authorities there are making sure air travel in the region is safe. Qantas flights in the area are taking special care to avoid the volcanic cloud.