Indonesian volcano erupts, spews hot ash and rocks

MOUNT MERAPI, Indonesia (AP) -- A state scientist says Indonesia's most volatile volcano has started to erupt, spewing plumes of hot ash and rocks high into the air.

Subandriyo, chief vulcanologist in the area, said Mount Merapi started to erupt just before dusk Tuesday. It had rumbled and groaned for hours.

Scientists have warned that pressure building beneath Merapi's lava dome could trigger one of the most powerful blasts in years.

Thousands of residents on the slopes have been evacuated.