Evacuation ordered as Merapi rumbles on

The Indonesian government has ordered the evacuation of around 17,000 people living near Mount Merapi.

Jusuf Kalla has called for the evacuation of "at least 50 per cent" of the total population living within the danger zone of the volcano, which has been threatening to erupt for a number of weeks.

According to the country's state-run news agency, Antara, Mr Kalla believes that an eruption is now only a matter of time and ordered that "immediate safety steps" be taken in order to prepare for the evacuation of 17,000 people living in close proximity of the volcano, on the island of Java.

However, the government has still refused to increase the alert to its highest level – a move which would automatically trigger an evacuation of the area.

Poisonous smoke and lava have been discharged by the volcano in recent weeks, with most experts predicting it will soon erupt.