Mount Merapi in the border area of West Sumatra’s Tanahdatar and Agam regencies spewed thick volcanic ashes this morning, causing alarm to local people.

Indonesia’s Antara news agency reported that for about 10 minutes the volcano, 2,890m above the sea level, spewed thick black ashes to soar around 1,000m above its peak.

The ashes fell on a number of nearby villages including Jorong Limo Kampuang, in Agam regency.

An official of the local Volcanology Centre asked the local people to remain on guard.

The centre warned people to stay away from the volcano and climbing activities were not allowed.

The official said the volcano had shown signs of increased activities since August last year.

On Aug 3, 2011 the volcano spewed ashes emitting sulphuric smell in a number of villages. The last time the volcano erupted was in 2005.

Mount Merapi, which is not far away from Mount Singgalang and Mount Tandikek, has always attracted many climbers.

- Bernama