Mt Semeru erupts, spews ash

Mount Semeru, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, erupted Wednesday, spewing fast-moving hot clouds of volcanic ash and debris that blanketed nearby villages.

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The latest eruption of Mount Semeru, the tallest mountain on Java, Indonesia's main island, began around 2pm local time Wednesday, the national geological agency said in a statement. The column of ash rose more than 6,500 feet (1,981 metres) above the peak, according to Indonesian authorities.

Videos posted on social media and aired by local media showed huge clouds of ash rapidly approaching villages, bridges and farms. In towns near the mountain, dark grey ash covered homes and streets after the eruption. The volcano also belched large boulders that landed miles away.