Indonesian volcano Mount Merapi erupts, forcing tourists to flee clouds of ash

Indonesia’s most-active volcano Mount Merapi erupted on March 11, 2023. Lava has flowed 7 km (4 miles) down its slopes, covering several villages. Hot ash and searing clouds of gas have blotted out the sun. Tourists have fled the area in Java, which is Indonesia’s most densely populated island. Mining and farming have been disrupted too. It is Merapi’s first major eruption since 2010, when 347 people died.