Smoldering debris, mud hinder Indonesia volcano rescue

Rescuers were searching for survivors Sunday on the slopes of the highest volcano on Indonesia's island of Java after it was rocked by an eruption that killed at least 13 people, as smoldering debris and thick mud hampered their efforts.

Mount Semeru in Lumajang district in East Java province spewed thick columns of ash more than 12,000 metres (40,000 feet) into the sky, and searing gas and lava flowed down after a sudden eruption Saturday triggered by heavy rains. Villages and nearby towns were blanketed with falling ash and several hamlets were buried under tons of mud from volcanic debris.

Authorities warned the thousands of people who fled the volcano's wrath not to return during Sunday's lull in activity. But some villagers were desperate to check on livestock and possessions left behind. In several areas, everything -- from the thinnest tree branch to couches and chairs inside homes -- was caked with ash.

"There's no life there ... trees, farms, houses are scorched, everything is covered in heavy gray ash," said Haryadi Purnomo of East Java's search and rescue agency. He said that several other areas were virtually untouched.

Search and rescue efforts were temporary suspended on Sunday afternoon because of fears that hot ash and debris could tumble down from the crater due to heavy rains.