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Clouds of Ash Hampering Rescue

A woman salvages her belongings at the Sumberwuluh village.
A woman salvages her belongings at the Sumberwuluh village. Photo: Adek Berry/AFP (Getty Images)

Operational Chief of Search and Rescue I Wayan Suyatna told CNN that clouds of volcanic ash are also hampering rescue operations. The debris, known as pyroclastic flow, is a mix of gases, ash, and other debris. Volcanic ash is filled with tiny, sharp particles, including glass, that can be particularly damaging when inhaled.

“Hot volcanic cloud is dangerous for the team safety,” Suyatna told CNN. “The weather here is also really bad. (It is) dark and rainy.”