WATCH: Time-lapse video shows volcanic ash cloud soaring 6 miles high after its first eruption. Rebecca Jarvis reports #Facecast. | ABC World News Tonight with David Muir

Indonesia's Mount Merapi, one of the world's most active volcanoes, has erupted, spewing out smoke and ash that blanketed villages near the crater. Read more: http://u.afp.com/ihnh | AFP News Agency

Indonesia’s Mount Merapi erupted, spreading searing gas clouds and avalanches of lava down its slopes as other active volcanoes flared up across the country, forcing the evacuation of thousands. Merapi is the most active out of more than 120 volcanoes across the country. Sunday's eruption is the latest since authorities raised its alert level to the second-highest in November 2020 after sensors picked up increasing activity. Residents living on the slopes were advised to stay at least 4.3 miles