The highest volcano in Java, Indonesia (3,676 cm) erupted yesterday (Dec 4th), killed 13 and had 7 go missing. 

Based on reports, Mount Semeru in East Java spewed thick columns of ash more than 12,000 metres into the sky, and gas as well as lava flowed down its slopes, after a sudden eruption due to heavy rains.

“Thick columns of ash turned villages to darkness. Several hundred people were moved to temporary shelters or left for other safe areas, as a power blackout hampered the evacuation", said district head. 

The natural disaster had 13 die from severe burns, 57 hospitalized (including 16 in critical condition), 7 still being searched for, entire houses destroyed and more than 900 displaced to temporary government shelters. 

“Suddenly everything went dark, the bright afternoon turned into night. A rumbling sound and heat forced us to run to the mosque. It was a far stronger eruption than in January”, said a resident who fled to a temporary shelter.