In pictures: Merapi volcano

Thousands of people have fled the area around Indonesia's Mount Merapi, as it spews out ash, rock and gas.

Some are using binoculars to view the smoke clouds from outside the danger zone.

More than 4,500 people living in the villages closest to the crater have been moved to emergency shelters.

Others are fleeing on foot rather than waiting for rescue vehicles.

Many of those in the affected area are farmers, relying on crops and animals for income.

The alert status of the volcano has been raised to the highest level - red.

Back

1 2 3 4 5 6

Next