Indonesia's Merapi volcano erupts, covers villages in ash

Indonesia's Mount Merapi, one of the world's most active volcanoes, erupted on Saturday, spewing out smoke and ash that blanketed villages near the crater. The Merapi Volcano Observatory estimated the ash cloud reached 9,600 feet (3,000 metres) above the summit. At least eight villages near the volcano have been affected by volcanic ash, an officer at one of Merapi's observation posts said in a statement. The Merapi Volcano Observatory estimated the ash cloud reached 9,600 feet (3,000 metres) above the summit. At least eight villages near the volcano have been affected by volcanic ash, an officer at one of Merapi's observation posts said in a statement.