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Indonesia's Mount Semeru volcano erupts, spews high ash column into the sky

An early morning eruption resulted in dense white and gray ash clouds, according to Indonesia's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation.
Image: Mount Semeru Volcano during an eruption in Candipuro district in Lumajang
Indonesia's Mount Semeru Volcano spews hot ash during an eruption Sunday.ANTARA FOTO / Reuters
/ Source: Reuters

Indonesia's Semeru volcano on Java island erupted early on Sunday spewing a high ash column over a mile into the sky and prompting authorities to warn people to stay away from the eruption range.

Earlier this month, the eruption of Semeru, Java's tallest mountain, ejected ash clouds and pyroclastic flows that killed at least 46 people and left several missing, while thousands were displaced.

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On Sunday, the early morning eruption resulted in dense white and gray ash clouds, according to Indonesia's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG).

The agency warned nearby residents not to conduct any activities within a 3 miles radius of the eruption centre and to keep a 1,500 feet distance from riversides due to risks of lava flow.

PVMBG also told people to not conduct any activities within 8 miles southeast of the eruption centre.

With 142 volcanoes, Indonesia has the largest population globally living in close range to a volcano, including 8.6 million within six miles.