Indonesia's Mount Merapi spews hot ash, volcanic debris 3 kilometers into sky

ANKARA

Indonesian authorities began evacuating dozens of hikers who were reportedly stranded near Mount Merapi, one of the world's most active volcanoes in West Sumatra, which erupted on Sunday, sending hot ash and other volcanic debris three kilometers into the sky.

The eruption started at 2:54 p.m. local time (0754GMT). There were no immediate reports of loss of life or damage to infrastructure.

The Indonesian state-run Natural Resources Conservation Agency posted a video on X showing heavy, grey smoke billowing into the sky following the eruption, while ash showers reached Bukittinggi city, the third-largest city in West Sumatra and home to over 100,000 people.

Mount Merapi, stands 2,891 meters (9,485 feet) tall and is situated on the island of Sumatra, where authorities have long prohibited residents and tourists from hiking within a three-kilometer radius of its crater.

The eruption was still going on as of press time.