Indonesia's mount Semeru erupted twice Thursday, belching a massive column of ash into the sky followed by a flow of lava that sent hundreds of rescuers fleeing in panic.

The highest mountain on the island of Java erupted earlier this month, killing at least 48 and leaving a dozen people missing.

Rescuers were digging through the mud and volcanic debris when ash -- which reached 4.5 kilometres from the peak -- and lava flow from the latest twin eruptions forced them to suspend the mission.

"It is too dangerous for rescuers to continue," rescuer Saiful Hasan told AFP, explaining rain had sped up the flow of lava to the villages.

No casualties or injuries were immediately reported, as rescuers said villages had been evacuated earlier.

But the collapse of the lava dome after the earlier eruption may mean that Semeru will spew volcanic materials more frequently, Hasan said.

"Not to mention that we are now in the rainy season that could trigger a spill from the crater," he added.

Thursday was supposed to be the last search day, but the operation might be extended further.

The December 4 disaster left entire streets filled with mud and ash, swallowing homes and vehicles, with nearly 10,000 people seeking refuge.

Related Links
Bringing Order To A World Of Disasters
When the Earth Quakes
A world of storm and tempest

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Volcanic eruption on Spanish island shows signs of ending
Isla De La Palma, Espana (AFP) Dec 15, 2021
A volcanic eruption on the Spanish island of La Palma has shown its first sign it might be coming to an end after nearly three months, scientists said Wednesday, although they could not rule out a new flare up in activity. The eruption of the Cumbre Viejo volcano has ebbed and flowed since it first began spewing lava on September 19, forcing the evacuation of over 7,000 people and destroying nearly 3,000 buildings. But since Monday evening seismic activity has been very weak, there is no lava fl ... read more