Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where the meeting of continental plates causes high volcanic and seismic activity, and the country has nearly 130 active volcanoes. Mt Semeru's last major eruption was in December 2020, which also forced thousands to flee and wrecked villages. There is also a risk of the rain causing ash sediment to form a new river of hot lava, the country's top volcanologist Surono told a local TV station. Rain is forecast for the area, which could further hinder rescue work. The ash and mud have also polluted the waterways around Mt Semeru, turning them into streams of dark grey sludge. Everybody was panicking,' said the 42-year-old. 'I couldn't see anything, it was just like at night. Suwarti Ningsi and her daughter were trapped for five hours at home after the eruption. Those who managed to find shelter recounted the horror after the eruption. Rescue officials said some were buried inside their vehicles, with no time to escape. 'It was only 3 pm but it looked like night.' Hasim said he ran home after the eruption.

Only one operator was rescued, he's now at the hospital with burns,' he told AFP.

Officials have advised locals not to travel within five kilometres (3.1 miles) of Semeru's crater, as the nearby air is highly polluted and could affect vulnerable groups.Īsh from Semeru travelled up to four kilometres away after the Saturday eruption, Indonesia's geological agency reported.Ī sand mine company's office in Kampung Renteng village was buried after the eruption, trapping 15 people, according to foreman Hasim, 65, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. Some locals lifted mattresses and furniture on their shoulders while others carried goats in their arms. Other rescuers helped desperate villagers salvage their belongings from wrecked homes. 'It is very likely bodies that have not been found are buried under the hot mudflow.' Their task was made more difficult as the volcanic debris had started to harden. 'There was a small fresh eruption and it could endanger the evacuation teams,' said rescue worker Rizal Purnama.ĭangerous thick plumes of smoke continued to emerge from areas blanketed by the volcanic ash, while rescuers in hardhats tried to dig through the mud to try and find survivors - and recover bodies. Maybe it's my son's fate, but I still hope he will be found, even just his body.'įresh volcanic activity on Monday hampered search efforts, forcing rescue teams to pull out from some areas. 'There's a very small chance he survived. Every time I hear victims have been found, I hope it is my son,' said Maskur Suhri of Sumberwuluh village, who was collecting palm tree sap when Semeru erupted. Indonesia's national disaster agency said 27 people were still missing.

Aerial photos showed entire streets filled with grey volcanic ash and mud, which had swallowed many homes and vehicles, including whole trucks.

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