Rescue teams were today searching for the bodies of hikers trapped on a mountain during a volcanic eruption in Indonesia.

The rescue workers trekked up Mount Marapi in West Sumatra to recover the bodies of the deceased mountaineers amid continual eruptions on December 5. The search was later postponed due to the volcanic activity.

Footage shows medics retrieving dirt-covered corpses found near a vent still belching smoke on the mountain on Monday. The bodies were carried on stretchers through the mountain wilderness.

Mount Marapi had erupted on December 3 afternoon while some 75 climbers were hiking up its slopes. The blast left nearby villages covered in ash as dust clouds blocked out sunlight.

Officials said 26 hikers have not descended since Sunday. At least 11 have been declared dead. Twelve more people were being sought.

There were reported to be 52 survivors rescued so far - with some of the survivors being carried to safety on stretchers.

As of Tuesday morning, authorities said the bodies of five more hikers have been retrieved, while six others had been located and would be carried out later.

Arief Pratama, spokesman for the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency, said: 'Five bodies have been taken to hospital for identification then handed over to the families.

'The search was carried out within an 800-metre radius from the Mount Marapi hiking route, with search area coordinates of approximately 5.3 square kilometers. We will convey further information developments later.'

The bodies were found at separate points near cliffs and hiking trails on the mountain, Arief said.

Rescue operations were put on hold while the volcano was erupting today.

Local rescue agency chief Abdul Malik said: 'We can't do an air search with a helicopter because the eruption is ongoing.'

Mount Marapi is an active stratovolcano located in Central Java, Indonesia. It is one of the most active and dangerous volcanoes in the world, known for frequent eruptions that pose a significant threat to nearby populated areas. The volcano's name means 'Mountain of Fire', reflecting its fiery and eruptive nature.

Indonesia sits inside the Pacific 'Ring of Fire' where the majority of Earth's volcano eruptions and earthquakes happen.