Volcanic eruption shuts schools and disrupts flights in Indonesia

School children in parts of Indonesia are learning from home after ash from an erupting volcano spread across the region.

Anak Krakatau, a volcanic island between the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra, began erupting late on Friday. Lava shot into the air, and winds carried ash towards several heavily populated areas, including the capital city, Jakarta.

In Bandar Lampung, a city on the island of Sumatra, firefighters sprayed water to clear volcanic ash from roads.

Indonesia's disaster agency advised people to stay indoors where possible and cover their mouth and eyes for protection if they had to go outside.

On Monday all schools in Jakarta were told to switch to distance learning, with pupils joining lessons from home until officials say it is safe to return.

Schools badly affected by ash in parts of Banten and Lampung provinces were also instructed to teach online or move lessons to safer places. In areas where schools remained open, children and staff were told to wear masks, stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed.

The ash has also caused travel disruption because it can make it difficult for pilots to see. Airports, including Jakarta's main international airport, suspended flights.

By Monday morning, about 2,300 flights and more than 270,000 passengers had been affected by cancellations, delays or diversions.

During a volcanic eruption, a volcano can release gases, ash and melted rock called lava.

Anak Krakatau means "Child of Krakatau" and is a relatively young volcanic island that began emerging from the sea in the late 1920s. It grew inside the huge crater left by another big eruption in 1883.