The volcano located in Indonesia’s Yogyakarta special region erupted around 12pm local time and a lava flow of 1.5km was observed, the local authority said.

Residents in the nearby community have been warned to stop any activities in the danger zones, a range between 3km to 7km radius from the crater, the statement said.

The 2,963m high Merapi is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes and was already on the country’s second highest alert level.

Official at local monitoring post, Yulianto, said no residents have been evacuated.

“This has only been observed as a one time event, there have been five to six avalanches. If the coverage continues to increase and the distance is further than 7km, it is likely that the residents will be recommended to evacuate,” he said.

Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia has more volcanoes than any other country.

Merapi last violently erupted in 2010, killing more than 350 people.