Indonesian authorities have rescued more than 170 climbers who were caught up in Mount Semeru's sudden eruption and returned them to safety, as the seismic activity of Java island's highest volcano indicated that the eruption will continue.

About 178 people, including climbers, porters, guides, tourism officials and tourists, started their way up the the 3,676-metre mountain in the Lumajang district of East Java province on Wednesday before becoming stranded at a camping area.

"They are safe and now being helped to return," said Priatin Hadi Wijaya, head of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation, told a video news conference.

The area, Ranu Kumbolo, is a safe area located outside the main danger zone of 8 kilometres from the crater.

The camping area is on the nor

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