Indonesia volcano: Mount Merapi erupts 30 times in a single day, prompting lava flow fears

Some residents decided to leave their homes following the explosion

(Barcroft Media via Getty Images)

Indonesia’s Mount Merapi volcano erupted on Wednesday 27 January with authorities warning of a risk that lava flows could reach roads.

Located on Java island, Merapi stands 2,963m tall and is one of the country’s most active volcanoes. It is currently on Indonesia’s second highest level of alert.

Head of Indonesia's volcanology and geological hazard mitigation centre, Pak Kasbani, warned that lava could reach roads near the volcano. He also described how the volcano had spewed "quite intense" hot clouds at least 30 times since Wednesday morning.

There have been no immediate reports of damage, although photographs on social media depicted ash covering several houses.

The local disaster mitigation agency said that some residents had decided to leave their homes.

Indonesia is located on the “Ring of Fire” and, with nearly 130 active volcanoes, is home to more volcanoes than any other country.

Merapi is one of the country’s most active volcanoes, with its last major eruption in 2010 killing almost 350 people.

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