Indonesia ? Hundreds of villagers defied warnings of a major eruption at one of Indonesia’s deadliest volcanos, leaving refugee centers today and returning to homes along its slopes to tend to crops and animals.

Mount Kelud, which has been showing signs of increased activity for several weeks, was placed on the highest alert level late Tuesday, meaning scientists believe an eruption may be imminent.

The 5,679-foot volcano last erupted in 1990, killing dozens. In 1919, a powerful explosion destroyed a hundred villages and claimed 5,160 lives.

Local authorities began mandatory evacuations of around 30,000 people living within six miles of the peak late Tuesday, mostly women, children and the elderly.