In a devastating turn of events on Monday, eleven climbers were discovered lifeless following the eruption of Indonesia’s Marapi volcano in West Sumatra. The search for an additional 12 missing individuals was temporarily halted due to safety concerns.
Jodi Haryawan, spokesperson for the search and rescue team, revealed that among the 75 climbers in the area during Sunday’s eruption, three survivors were found alongside the bodies of the deceased climbers. The 2,891-meter-high (9,485 ft) volcano unleashed ash clouds reaching up to 3 km into the sky.
Authorities swiftly raised the alert level to the second-highest, implementing a 3 km exclusion zone around the crater to ensure public safety. Video footage captured the dramatic scene of a massive volcanic ash cloud blanketing the sky, with ash-covered cars and roads visible on the ground.
A minor eruption on Monday prompted a temporary suspension of the search and rescue operation due to heightened dangers. Jodi emphasized, “It’s too dangerous if we continue searching now.” Earlier on Monday, 49 climbers were successfully evacuated from the area, with many undergoing treatment for burns incurred during the eruption.
Marapi, among the most active volcanoes on Sumatra island, had its deadliest eruption in April 1979, claiming the lives of 60 people. This year, the volcano exhibited activity between January and February, emitting ash up to 1,000 meters from its peak.
Situated on the Pacific’s “Ring of Fire,” Indonesia boasts 127 active volcanoes, according to the volcanology agency. The recent tragedy serves as a sombre reminder of the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity in the region.
