Indonesia's Marapi volcano in West Sumatra province erupted on Sunday, spewing volcanic ash as high as 3,000 metres into the air, according to the country's disaster management agency BNPB.
The 2,891-metre-high volcano erupted at 2.54 pm local time (11:54 am UAE time), and volcanic ash was dispersed at high intensity to nearby districts, authorities said. Pictures from BNPB showed cars and roads covered with ash.
Authorities have barred residents and visitors from carrying out any activities within 3 kilometres of the crater, and have set the second-highest alert level for Marapi mountain.
"We have distributed masks to residents and encouraged them to stay inside their houses," said Ade Setiawan, an official at BPBD's local disaster management unit.
Indonesia sits on the Pacific's so-called "Ring of Fire" and has 127 active volcanoes, according to the volcanology agency.
Jordan arrests 3 over Karak church attack, state TV says
Brazil's working class president Lula wins historic fourth term
Serbia's Vucic concedes defeat in historic election win for student protest movement
Two injured from falling debris as missiles intercepted in Saudi Arabia
Venezuela opposition leader Machado returns to country
