In Pics: Indonesia's Mount Semeru erupts again, cripples rescue operations

Indonesia's Mount Semeru has erupted again, spewing more ash, hampering the search for survivors as aerial images showed the extent of the devastation unleashed by the volcano's deadly eruption over the weekend. At least 15 were killed and over dozens injured as the biggest mountain on the island of Java thundered to life, raining hot mud as thousands of panicked people fled their homes.

The biggest mountain on the island of Java thundered to life, mushrooming volcanic ash high into the sky and raining hot mud as thousands of panicked people fled their homes. At least 15 were killed and over dozens injured. Credit: AFP Photo

Aerial images shows the extent of the devastation unleashed by the volcano's deadly eruption over the weekend. Credit: Reuters Photo

Streets filled with grey volcanic ash and mud, swallowing many homes and vehicles, including whole trucks. Credit: Reuters Photo

Indonesia's national disaster agency said 27 people were still missing. Credit: Reuters Photo

Fresh volcanic activity on December 6 hampered search efforts, forcing rescue teams to pull out from some areas. Credit: AP Photo

Thick plumes of smoke continued to emerge from areas blanketed by the volcanic ash, while rescuers in hardhats tried to dig through the mud to try and find survivors -- and recover bodies. Credit: Reuters Photo

Rescuers help desperate villagers salvage their belongings from wrecked homes. Credit: Reuters Photo

Some locals lifted mattresses and furniture on their shoulders while others carried goats in their arms. Credit: Reuters Photo

Ash from Semeru travelled up to four kilometres away after the eruption, Indonesia's geological agency reported. Credit: Reuters Photo