Indonesia volcano death toll rises to 22 as search nears end

The number of hikers found dead after the eruption of Indonesia's Mount Marapi volcanohas risen to 22 after nine more bodies were found, a local search and rescue agency official said Tuesday.

The hikers were among 75 people who were registered to climb Marapi, when the volcano suddenly erupted on Sunday afternoon, spewing hot gas and rocks into the air. The volcano was still erupting as of midday on Tuesday slowing the rescue efforts of more than 200 personnel.

Mount Marapi is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. The Indonesian archipelago lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a belt of seismic activity that circles the Pacific Ocean.