Indonesia's most active volcano erupted on Wednesday with searing gas clouds, sending a river of lava flowing 1.5 kilometres down its slopes.
It was Mount Merapi’s biggest lava flow since authorities raised its danger level in November, said Hanik Humaida, the head of Yogyakarta’s Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Centre.
Authorities in November moved nearly 2,000 people living on the mountain in Magelang and Sleman districts on Java Island. Most have since returned.
There was no new evacuation measure.
The alert was kept at the second-highest level and authorities told people to stay out of the five-kilometre danger zone around the crater as administrations in Central Java and Yogyakarta provinces monitor the situation.
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People look up at Mount Merapi, Indonesia's most active volcano, as it spews rocks and ash out for another day in Yogyakarta. AFP -
A man sprays insecticide at his crops as Mount Merapi is seen erupting in the background, in Sleman. AP -
A volunteer uses his walkie talkie as he monitors Mount Merapi during an eruption in Sleman. AP -
Hot cloud of volcanic materials run down the slope of Mount Merapi during an eruption in Sleman. AP -
Villagers move back to their homes after nearly three months at an evacuation centre after the lava flow of Mount Merapi, Indonesia’s most active volcano, changed direction in Yogyakarta. AFP -
Hot lava runs down from the crater of Mount Merapi, partially seen behind a mosque in Sleman, Indonesia. AP -
Mount Merapi, Indonesia’s most active volcano, spews lava and gas in Yogyakarta. AFP
