Semeru eruption forces rescue of over 170 climbers in Indonesia

People walk on ground covered in volcanic ash in Supiturang village, East Java, on Thursday. PIC/AFP

Indonesian authorities said on Thursday they helped more than 170 climbers who were caught a day earlier by Mount Semeru's sudden eruption to return to safety as the seismic activity of Java island's highest volcano indicated that the eruption will continue.

About 178 people, including climbers, porters, guides, tourism officials and tourists, started their way up the 3676-metre (12,060-foot) mountain in the Lumajang district of East Java province on Wednesday and became stranded at the Ranu Kumbolo camping area.

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