Indonesia's W. Java volcano erupts, prompts evacuation

Popular destination of Tangkuban Perahu volcano in Indonesia's West Java province erupted on Friday, spewing 200 metres of volcanic ash into the air and prompting evacuation of tourists and people from areas considered dangerous around the volcano craters.

"The eruption has a maximum amplitude of 38 millimetres and lasted in 5 minutes and 30 seconds," the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Centre (PVMBG) said in a statement.

Alert status on the volcano which is 2,284 metres above sea level remains set at normal condition of Level I, the PVMBG was cited as saying by the Jakarta Post.

Tourists, trekkers and residents are advised not to approach and camp around the volcano craters until further notice.

People are also advised to be vigilant on volcanic gas that possibly leaks out from the crater if rain happens. The gas could harm their health, the statement said.IANS