Mount Marapi erupted today, sending a towering ash plume over homes in Indonesia. The restive volcano sparked panic when it spewed a billowing cloud of smoke at around 10:34 am local time today. Footage shows the eruption as seen from different parts of West Sumatra.

The Indonesian Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) said: 'Mount Marapi, West Sumatra, erupted at 10:34 a.m. WIB, but the height of the ash column was not observed. 'This eruption was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 30.3 mm and a duration of approximately 51 seconds.' Mount Marapi is currently placed at the hazard Alert Level II.

The PVMBG warned locals and tourists to clear a three-kilometre radius from the volcano. Mount Marapi, located in West Sumatra, is one of the country's most active volcanoes and is known for frequent, sudden eruptions. Its steep slopes and popular hiking trails attract many tourists, but authorities often restrict access due to ongoing volcanic activity. Indonesia lies on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire' where the majority of Earth's volcanic eruptions and earthquakes happen.