Indonesia volcano: 27 still missing after volcanic eruption kills 15

[caption id=“attachment_10189601” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] Mount Semeru, the highest volcano on Indonesia’s Java island, erupted on Sunday, spewing thick columns of ash as high as 12,000 meters into the sky blanketing villages and nearby towns with tons of volcanic debris. Image Courtesy: AP[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_10189641” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] At least 15 people are dead and 27 others missing since the highest volcano on Indonesia’s Java island Mount Semeru erupted with fury. Image Courtesy: AP[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_10189651” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] Evacuation and rescue efforts have been hampered by choking smoke, a power blackout, and rainstorms during the eruption which turned the debris into mud. AFP Photo[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_10189671” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] Search and rescue efforts were temporarily suspended Sunday afternoon because of fears that heavy rain would cause more hot ash and debris to fall from the crater. Image Courtesy: AFP[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_10189691” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] An injured man receives treatment at a hospital in Lumajang district, East Java province, Indonesia. Image Courtesy: AP[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_10189711” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] Some relatives of the victims in Lumajang in East Java say they have not yet been able to collect their loved ones as some of the bodies have not yet been identified. Image Courtesy: AP[/caption]