Jakarta (VNA) – Semeru volcano in Indonesia was active again on December 6 after two days apowerful eruption killed at least 22 people and left 27 missing, forcing rescuers to suspend their searchand rescue activities.

Aerial images show streets covered with volcanic ash and mud. Rescuers havestill tried to dig through layers of mud to find survivors and bodies but their work became more and more difficult when mud layers began to cool and dry.

Local officials advised locals not totravel within 5km of the volcano’s crater, as the nearby air is highlypolluted and could affect vulnerable groups.

Ash fromSemeru travelled up to 4km away after the eruption on  December 4, Indonesia’sgeological agency reported.

The Indonesian Red Cross has mobilised ambulances, medical crews and other emergencyservices to affected areas.

Semeru, more than 3,600metres high, is one of Indonesia's nearly 130 active volcanoes. It erupted inJanuary, causing no casualties.

Indonesia straddles the "Pacific ring offire" with nearly 130active volcanoes, more than any other country. In late 2018,a volcano in the strait between Java and Sumatra islands erupted, causing anunderwater landslide and tsunami which killed more than 400 people./.