Mount Karangetang has erupted on Siau island in Indonesia, causing 40 people to become trapped, while 300 were evacuated from local villages.

Lava travelled 5, 000 ft down the slopes of the volcano, leading to the 40 victims becoming trapped. After hot ash rose, the Government raised its alert to the highest level.

There are dozens of active volcanoes in Indonesia which are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. The most active volcanoes are Kelut and Merapi on Java island which have been responsible for thousands of deaths in the region.

In November 2010, 138 people were killed following the eruption of Indonesia’s most active volcano Mount Merapi, located between Central Java and Yogyarta Indonesia.