Mount Semeru eruption in Indonesia prompts evacuations

More than 300 people most at risk are move to shelters as tallest peak on Java island unleashes clouds of hot ash

Indonesia's Mount Semeru, the highest peak on Java island, has erupted, blanketing several villages with falling ash, prompting evacuations and leading authorities to raise the alert to the highest level.

The volcano in East Java province unleashed searing clouds of hot ash and a mixture of rock, lava and gas that travelled up to 7km (4 miles) down its slopes several times from midday to dusk, while a thick column of hot clouds rose 2km into the air, Indonesia's Geology Agency said in a statement.