Thousands return as Indonesia downgrades volcano alert

The volcanology office said that residents could return to their homes, but it called on them to remain alert and be prepared to leave should the 1,731-metre (5,679-foot) volcano show renewed dangerous activity.

Noxious gases still being emitted from the crater and a possible eruption involving sludge from the crater lake flowing down the slopes meant that a radius of three kilometres (two miles) should remain off-limits, it added.

Military trucks ferried residents -- many of whom were begrudgingly evacuated -- from shelters back to their homes, an AFP correspondent said.

According to health ministry figures, about 134,000 people live in a 10-kilometre radius of the peak, which was declared a danger zone during the intensified activity at the volcano.