M​ount Semeru, Indonesia's highest volcano, began erupting on Sunday, releasing gaseous clouds and lava and blanketing nearby villages in ash.

A​ccording to National Disaster Management Agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari, monsoon rains eroded the volcano's lava dome and caused the eruption. T​he volcano's ash columns reached up to nearly 5,000 feet in the air.

(​MORE: Mount Semeru In Indonesia Erupts, Creating Spectacle Of Lava And Ash)

M​ount Semeru is located on the island of Java, Indonesia's most densely populated island. Nearly 2,000 residents evacuated to temporary shelters or other areas away from the volcano, according to the New York Times.

Authorities widened the volcano's danger zone to 5 miles from the crater due to the eruption, and scientists raised the volcano's alert level to the highest level. People were warned to stay away from the southeastern area along the Besuk Kobokan River, which was in the lava's path, The Associated Press reported.

S​emeru last erupted about a year ago, killing 51 people, injuring several hundred and forcing the evacuation of more than 10,000 people.

C​lick through the slideshow above to see images of the eruption.

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