Jakarta: Indonesia has evacuated hundreds of climbers and villagers after Mount Semeru in East Java erupted several times on Wednesday, sending hot ash, rocks and gas down its slopes and covering nearby communities in thick volcanic dust.

Authorities said the volcano erupted around ten times, pushing ash clouds high into the sky and triggering hot flows that travelled up to thirteen kilometers from the crater. The country’s disaster agency raised the alert level to the highest stage and widened the exclusion zone to eight kilometers, warning residents to stay away from rivers that could carry fast-moving volcanic material.

More than 900 people living near the mountain were moved to temporary shelters, including schools and community halls. Many were seen leaving their homes with only s

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