Indonesian volcano erupts again, hampering rescue efforts
Indonesia’s Mount Semeru spewed more ash yesterday, hampering the search for survivors as aerial images showed the extent of the devastation unleashed by the deadly weekend eruption.
The biggest mountain on the island of Java thundered to life on Saturday, ejecting a mushroom of volcanic ash high into the sky and raining hot mud as thousands of panicked people fled their homes.
At least 15 were killed.
Aerial photos showed entire streets filled with grey volcanic ash and mud, which had swallowed many homes and vehicles, including whole trucks.
Indonesia’s national disaster agency said 27 people were still missing.
“I’m still hoping my son will be found. 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.
“There’s a very small chance he survived. Maybe it’s my son’s fate, but I still hope he will be found, even if it is just his body.”
Fresh volcanic activity yesterday hampered search efforts, forcing rescue teams to pull out of some areas.
“There was a small fresh eruption and it could endanger the evacuation teams,” said rescue worker Rizal Purnama.
Dangerous thick plumes of smoke continued to emerge from areas blanketed by volcanic ash, while rescuers in hardhats tried to dig through the mud in attempts to find survivors.
Their task was made more difficult as the volcanic debris had started to harden.
“It’s very difficult with simple tools,” said Rizal.
“It is very likely bodies that have not been found are buried under the hot mudflow.”
Other rescuers helped desperate villagers salvage their belongings from wrecked homes.
Some locals lifted mattresses and furniture on their shoulders while others carried goats in their arms.
Officials have advised locals not to travel within 5km of Semeru’s crater, as the air is highly polluted and could affect vulnerable groups.
Ash from Semeru travelled up to 4km away after the Saturday eruption, Indonesia’s geological agency reported.
A sand mine company’s office in Kampung Renteng was buried after the eruption, trapping 15 people, according to foreman Hasim, 65, who like many Indonesians goes by only one name.
“There’s no news from them. Only one operator was rescued, he’s now at the hospital with burns.”
Hasim said he ran home after the eruption. “It was pitch dark. It was only 3pm but it looked like night.”
Rescue officials said some were buried inside their vehicles, with no time to escape. – AFP