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Residents have been told to evacuate to safer areas
Indonesia's vice-president has arrived close to the site of the country's most volatile volcano to inspect refugee camps set up for villagers in the area.
Indonesia has issued a red alert - the highest level - for Mount Merapi on the island of Java.
Thousands of people living near the volcano have been ordered to move to safer ground, but many are still refusing to leave.
Mt Merapi last erupted in June 2006, killing two people.
In 1930 another powerful eruption wiped out 13 villages, killing more than 1,000 people.
Scientists have issued a red alert for the volcano, signalling that an eruption is imminent.
A government vulcanologist has said that based on his recordings, Mt Merapi's eruption could be much bigger this time in comparison to past eruptions.
Officials say more than 300 people have been evacuated from villages near the volcano
Officials say more than 300 people have been evacuated from villages near the volcano - but that is still not enough.
More than 5,000 people live near or on the mountain.
Some are refusing to heed the warnings because they do not want to leave their livestock and properties behind.
For many Javanese, Mt Merapi is a sacred site. Officials say some of the villagers are waiting for the local "gatekeeper" of the volcano to tell them that the increased activity at Mt Merapi is dangerous.
Described as a medicine man, many villagers believe he has a spiritual connection to the volcano.
He has reportedly said he will not leave yet, but is urging villagers to make their way to government shelters.
Authorities are under pressure to move as many people away from the mountain as quickly as possible.
Witnesses say there have been a series of loud explosions from the volcano.
Scientists are clear that Mt Merapi will erupt - it is just not certain when or how big the eruption will be.
This article is from the BBC News website. ? British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Residents have been told to evacuate to safer areas
Indonesia's vice-president has arrived close to the site of the country's most volatile volcano to inspect refugee camps set up for villagers in the area.
Indonesia has issued a red alert - the highest level - for Mount Merapi on the island of Java.
Thousands of people living near the volcano have been ordered to move to safer ground, but many are still refusing to leave.
Mt Merapi last erupted in June 2006, killing two people.
In 1930 another powerful eruption wiped out 13 villages, killing more than 1,000 people.
Scientists have issued a red alert for the volcano, signalling that an eruption is imminent.
A government vulcanologist has said that based on his recordings, Mt Merapi's eruption could be much bigger this time in comparison to past eruptions.
Officials say more than 300 people have been evacuated from villages near the volcano Officials say more than 300 people have been evacuated from villages near the volcano - but that is still not enough.
More than 5,000 people live near or on the mountain.
Some are refusing to heed the warnings because they do not want to leave their livestock and properties behind.
For many Javanese, Mt Merapi is a sacred site. Officials say some of the villagers are waiting for the local "gatekeeper" of the volcano to tell them that the increased activity at Mt Merapi is dangerous.
Described as a medicine man, many villagers believe he has a spiritual connection to the volcano.
He has reportedly said he will not leave yet, but is urging villagers to make their way to government shelters.
Authorities are under pressure to move as many people away from the mountain as quickly as possible.
Witnesses say there have been a series of loud explosions from the volcano.
Scientists are clear that Mt Merapi will erupt - it is just not certain when or how big the eruption will be.
This article is from the BBC News website. ? British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.