Major eruptions at five volcanoes in Indonesia have darkened skies with ash and led to the closure of three airports.

An explosive volcanic eruption on Indonesia’s most populous island has blasted ash and debris 18kms into the air, killing two people while forcing authorities to evacuate more than 100,000 and close six airports.

Villagers returned to their homes today along the fertile slopes of an Indonesian volcano that spewed hot ash and smoke after lying dormant for more than four centuries – catching scientists off guard.