VIDEO: Thousands flee as Indonesia's Mount Semeru erupts

Gulf Today Report

Huge smoke and ash coming out of  Mount Semeru in Indonesia forced thousands to flee to safer places on Saturday.

According to the country's disaster mitigation agency 41 burn injuries are reported from Semeru volcano eruption, said Lumajang district’s deputy chief.

As the lava reached nearby villages authorities moved into action and started rescuing people from the areas near Mount Semeru.

Authorities were building up some shelters in several locations in Lumajang.

Lava coming down for the Mount Semeru destroyed a bridge in Lumajang regency in East Java.

A video released by the agency showed locals, including scores of children, running for safety as Mount Semeru erupted at 3:00 pm local time on Saturday.

A restricted zone of five kilometres was established from the crater after the eruption.

The nation has nearly 130 active volcanoes.