Volcano eruptions forced 40,000 to flee
Volcanic eruptions on the Indonesian island of Java have left at least 29 people dead and forced more than 40,000 to flee their homes.
Mount Merapi in central Java erupted several times on Tuesday evening. No eruptions were confirmed on Wednesday.
The Indonesian government says the victims died after being hit by fast-moving currents of hot gas and debris or from developing breathing difficulties caused by the ash. 28 others suffered burns.
In Sleman district, at the south of the volcano, 4,500 people are taking shelter in the buildings of a primary school, including its gymnasium, but there is not enough space to accommodate everyone comfortably.
A woman carrying her 9-month-old baby said she ran for her life after a tremendous amount of ash began to fall. Evacuees say they are afraid of bad hygiene conditions as water and soap is scarce.
Local experts are calling for continued caution, saying that the eruption may have not ceased yet.
Mount Merapi last erupted in 2006, killing 2 people. An eruption in 1994 claimed more than 60 lives and a massive eruption in 1930 left more than 1,000 people dead
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