Merapi volcano spews out lava, volcanic ash, hundreds flee their homes

Mount Merapi unleashed a torrent of hot clouds, turning the sky a fiery red, as molten lava flowed down its slopes on Thursday with the eruption forcing over 250 people to flee their homes, authorities said.

The volcano, one of the most active in the world, erupted multiple times overnight, spewing gas, volcanic ash and rocks that flowed over five kilometers down its slopes, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported.

"Due to the avalanches of hot clouds and ash, 253 people took shelter," said BNPB spokesperson Abdul Muhari in a statement.

Residents have been told to steer clear of an area spanning a seven-kilometer radius surrounding Merapi's crater over warnings of lava and airborne volcanic material, he added.