Officials race to evacuate towns as Indonesian volcano continues to erupt

Reuters 2014-02-02

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Clouds of ash consume the skyline from a volcanic eruption in Indonesia.

This sign reads do not enter, warning locals of hot clouds and lava from Mount Sinabung.

Despite the warning, officials prepare to enter the area.

(SOUNDBITE) (Bahasa Indonesia) VOLCANOLOGIST KRISTIANTO (ONE NAME) SAYING:

"In order to access the bodies, we have to go into the prohibited areas as it is an emergency. These areas are commonly affected by hot clouds so we will need to consider limiting the number of personnel, time and equipment. We can't allow more people than necessary to go in."

The eruption, which started Saturday, covered towns in ash and killed at least 15 people.

As officials race to recover victims and evacuate survivors, a church sits alone amid a ghost town.

On foot, responders scramble in search of signs of life.

Sinabung is one of nearly 130 active volcanoes in the country.

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