Indonesia: Semeru volcano erupts again, hindering rescue work

Jakarta (VNA) – Semeru volcano in Indonesia was active again on December 6 after two days a powerful eruption killed at least 22 people and left 27 missing, forcing rescuers to suspend their search and rescue activities.

Aerial images show streets covered with volcanic ash and mud. Rescuers have still tried to dig through layers of mud to find survivors and bodies but their work became more and more difficult when mud layers began to cool and dry.

Local officials advised locals not to travel within 5km of the volcano’s crater, as the nearby air is highly polluted and could affect vulnerable groups.

Ash from Semeru travelled up to 4km away after the eruption on  December 4, Indonesia’s geological agency reported.

The Indonesian Red Cross has mobilised ambulances, medical crews and other emergency services to affected areas.

Semeru, more than 3,600 metres high, is one of Indonesia's nearly 130 active volcanoes. It erupted in January, causing no casualties.

Indonesia straddles the "Pacific ring of fire" with nearly 130 active volcanoes, more than any other country. In late 2018, a volcano in the strait between Java and Sumatra islands erupted, causing an underwater landslide and tsunami which killed more than 400 people./.