Rivers of lava as volcano erupts

INDONESIA’S highest volcano on its most densely populated island released searing gas clouds and rivers of lava in its latest eruption yesterday.

Monsoon rains eroded and finally collapsed the lava dome on top of 12,060ft Mount Semeru, causing the eruption, said National Disaster Management Agency spokesman Abdul Muhari.

Several villages were blanketed with falling ash, blocking out the sun, but no casualties have been reported.

Thick columns of ash were blasted nearly 4,000 feet into the sky, while searing gas and lava flowed down Semeru’s slopes, travelling towards a nearby river.

Several hundred people were moved to temporary shelters or left for other safe areas.