Indonesia volcano eruption death toll hits 25
Baku, October 27 (AZERTAC). The death toll following the eruption of Indonesia`s Mount Merapi volcano has risen to 25, officials say, amid fears of fresh eruptions, according to BBC News.
Experts told the BBC that the ash levels had subsided a little, but that their readings suggested there would be more volcanic activity soon.
Thousands fled their homes on Tuesday as ash spewed out of the volcano, turning the landscape white.
But many people refused to leave, and rescuers fear the death toll may rise.
One rescuer, Christian Awuy, told the BBC that he feared up to 50 could have been killed.
Many people ignored the initial warnings and stayed behind, reluctant to leave their properties and livestock.
Mr Awuy said about 10,000 people had been evacuated to makeshift shelters with straw sleeping mats and bags of clothes and food.
The BBC`s Rachel Harvey, who is at the scene, says people are also trying to return to their homes.
She says farmers, particularly young men, are returning to the volcano`s slopes to check on their livestock and property.
A two-month-old baby was among the dead.
The man known as the volcano`s spiritual gatekeeper, Mbah or grandfather Marijan, was also found dead in his house about 4km from the summit.
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