Phreatic eruptions

Indonesia volcano death toll rises

The death toll from a sudden, spectacular eruption of Indonesia's Mount Semeru has risen to 13, disaster officials said on Dec. 5, as rescuers searched villages blanketed in molten ash for survivors.

The eruption of Java's biggest mountain caught locals by surprise on Dec. 4, sending thousands fleeing its path of destruction and forcing hundreds of families into makeshift shelters.