Indonesian Mt. Semeru spews ash; forces residents to flee

Indonesia’s Mount Semeru on its Java island has erupted and forced residents to evacuate as the sky was filled with ash.

Rescuers have traveled to the residential areas near the volcano, and are helping locals flee. According to a local Indonesian news agency, the huge plumes of ash have blocked sunlight in at least two districts.

Semeru last erupted in January, and videos circulating online have caught its latest eruption, while residents are seen fleeing.

Airlines traveling close to the area have been warned as the ash has reached up to 50,000ft. It has now reportedly detached itself from the eruption point, and is heading south-west.