the results of the eruption of the Semeru volcano raised to 34 dead

The toll of the destructive eruption of the Indonesian volcano Semeru was raised Tuesday, December 7 to 34 dead, announced Abdul Muhari, the spokesperson for the disaster management agency.

“The latest assessment received is at this stage that 34 people are dead, 17 are missing”, after the eruption on Saturday which covered with ash and devastated more than ten villages. The death toll had reached 22 dead the day before and dozens of injured, many with burns.

The highest peak of the island of Java threw a vast plume of ash on Saturday and caused waves of burning mud and clouds of ash that invaded villages located on its flanks. Entire streets were filled with piles of gray ash and mud, covering trucks or houses to the roof.

Rescuers work in difficult conditions to search for survivors and bodies, among debris, mud and ash. Dogs were sent to help them in their efforts.

The volcano shows intermittent activity, with several smaller eruptions every day since the weekend, and more than 3,500 residents had to be evacuated from the area.

Thousands of homes and buildings were damaged including 24 schools, according to provisional data from the AHA Asean Disaster Management Center. Authorities have asked residents not to approach within five kilometers of the crater, as the air saturated with ash dust in the area is dangerous for vulnerable people.