WATCH: Time-lapse video shows volcanic ash cloud soaring 6 miles high after its first eruption. Rebecca Jarvis reports #Facecast. | ABC World News Tonight with David Muir

Indonesia’s Mount Merapi erupted, spreading searing gas clouds and avalanches of lava down its slopes as other active volcanoes flared up across the country, forcing the evacuation of thousands. Merapi is the most active out of more than 120 volcanoes across the country. Sunday's eruption is the latest since authorities raised its alert level to the second-highest in November 2020 after sensors picked up increasing activity. Residents living on the slopes were advised to stay at least 4.3 miles

ERUPTION: Indonesia's Mount Merapi volcano spews ash and hot gas in a towering column as high as 3.7 miles into the sky.⁣ https://abcn.ws/2NeQ3Op | ABC News