Indonesian volcano death toll rises to 16

Indonesian rescuers will search through thick ash hoping to find survivors after Mount Sinabung volcano erupted engulfing victims in scorching clouds, killing 16 people including four secondary-school students and their teacher.

The volcano on the western island of Sumatra started erupting in September but on Saturday spewed hot rocks and ash 2,000 metres (16,000ft) into the air, blanketing the surrounding countryside with grey dust.

About 100 rescuers, including from the military and police, armed with chainsaws and oxygen apparatus will carry out the difficult search through up to 30cm thick ash in Sukameriah village — 2.7km from the volcano’s crater, disaster and local officials said.