Eleven Dead And a Dozen Missing in Indonesian Volcano Eruption
Mount Marapi. (Source: Andreas Hunziker)
Eleven hikers have been found dead while at least 12 others are missing following the eruption of the Marapi Volcano in West Sumatra, Indonesia, this Sunday.
Mount Marapi, whose name means Mountain of Fire, is popular with hikers despite being the most active volcano in Sumatra. It suddenly erupted on Sunday, spewing ash up to 3 km (9,843 ft) into the air.
Of the 75 climbers known to be on the mountain at the time of the violent eruption, most were safely evacuated while three had to be rescued. A further 11 have been found dead, but rescuers were only able to successfully remove three bodies.
“Eight (dead) are still around the summit, unable to be evacuated. Evacuation is difficult because the eruption is still happening,” said reach and rescue official Abdul Malik said.
According to Jodi Haryawan, spokesperson of the local search and rescue team, a further 12 remain missing. The eruption continued into Monday, complicating rescue and search operations. Video footage shows the column of ash spread across the sky as ash covers streets, houses and vehicles.
Authorities have created a no-go zone for residents and visitors with three kilometres of the crater. Residents have received masks and told to stay indoors.
“People are expected not to enter a radius of 3 km and reduce outdoor activities. People who are active outside are expected to always wear masks, goggles, and hats,” said Ahmad Rifandi, Head of the Marapi Volcano Observation Post.
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