Merapi volcano erupts: Volcanic ash blankets villages

Indonesia's Mount Merapi erupted with avalanches of searing gas clouds and lava, forcing authorities to halt tourism and mining activities on the slopes of the country's most active volcano. Merapi unleashed clouds of hot ash and a mixture of rock, lava and gas that travelled up to 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) down its slopes. The eruption, throughout the day, blocked out the sun and blanketed several villages with falling ash. No casualties have been reported.

Indonesia's Mount Merapi erupted with avalanches of searing gas clouds and lava, forcing authorities to halt tourism and mining activities on the slopes of the country's most active volcano. Credit: Reuters Photo

Lava spews out of Mount Merapi in Srumbung, Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. Credit: AFP Photo

Cars drive on a road covered in ash from the eruption of Indonesia's Mount MerapiÊvolcano, in Magelang, Indonesia. Credit: Reuters Photo

A man uses cardboard to protect himself from the volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Merapi, in Magelang, Indonesia. Credit: Reuters Photo

A pedicab passes on a road covered in ash from the eruption of Indonesia's Mount Merapi, in Magelang, Indonesia. Credit: Reuters Photo

People ride on a road covered in ash from the eruption of Indonesia's Mount MerapiÊvolcano, in Magelang, Indonesia. Credit: Reuters Photo

A car covered with ash after an eruption from Mount Merapi, Indonesia’s most active volcano, in Dukun village, Magelang, Indonesia. Credit: AFP Photo