The Mount Merapi volcano on the Indonesian island of Java erupted on Thursday night, forcing hundreds of people to flee. A mixture of hot lava, ash and gases was pouring down the southeastern slope of the mountain, said Abdul Muhari, spokesman for the national disaster relief agency. In addition, a rain of ash fell on several villages.
More than 250 residents had to get to safety. An exclusion zone has been set up around the volcano in a five-kilometer radius. No fatalities have been reported so far.
The more than 2900 meter high Merapi is a so-called stratovolcano. When an eruption occurs, a mixture of dust, rock, lava and hot gas often flows down the valleys. The chances of escaping these rapidly flowing clouds of embers are slim. The deadly currents can rush kilometers down the valley before they come to a standstill.
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Mount Merapi is the most active volcano in Indonesia. It is about 35 kilometers north of the city of Yogyakarta. A severe eruption in 2010 killed more than 340 people and tens of thousands fled. There are nearly 130 active volcanoes nationwide. The island nation of Indonesia lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for seismic tremors. (dpa)
