Indonesia: death toll rises to 14 after eruption of Semeru volcano

Dozens more injured as highest volcano on densely populated Java island spews huge ash cloud into air

Rescuers have been sifting through smouldering debris and thick mud in search of survivors a day after the highest volcano on Java island erupted, killing at least 14 people with searing gas and ash.

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