Indonesia's volcanic Mount Merapi erupts

Indonesia's Mount Merapi, located in central Java, erupted on Friday, spewing a massive cloud of ash some 5,000 meters  (16,000 feet) into the air.

The eruption lasted around 7 minutes, the Geological Disaster Research and Development Centre said on its website.

Despite the huge eruption, local residents were advised to remain calm and not to panic. Authorities did not raise Merapi's alert from its current third-highest level.

'Stay alert'

"Local residents are advised to remain calm and go about their activities as usual, but stay alert for volcanic ash," the agency said.  

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This is the second time that Merapi, Indonesia's most active volcano, has erupted this month. The earlier eruption was slightly larger and a massive ash and sand cloud from the eruption coated Yogyakarta and neighboring city Solo with grey dust and forced an airport closure.

The mountain's last major eruption was in 2010. More than 300 people were killed and 280,000 residents had to be evacuated.

Indonesia sits on the so-called "ring of fire" where the collision of the Earth's tectonic plates causes frequent quakes and major volcanic activity. Indonesia has nearly 130 active volcanoes alone.

mm/kmm (AFP, DPA)

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