- A sudden eruption of Mount Marapi in West Sumatra on Sunday trapped about 75 climbers on the mountain.
- Rescue workers recovered 11 bodies and saved 11 survivors on Monday while searching for 22 others who are still missing.
- The eruption spewed a thick layer of ash up to 3,000 meters in the sky and the ash cloud spread for several kilometers.
Padang: Mount Marapi, located in the Agam province of West Sumatra, is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. It erupted on Sunday at around 1:30 pm local time, sending a thick layer of ash up to 3,000 meters in the sky. The ash cloud spread for several kilometers, affecting the nearby towns and villages. The eruption also triggered landslides and rockfalls on the mountain slopes.
On Saturday, about 75 climbers started climbing the 2,900-meter-high mountain, which is a popular hiking destination. They were unaware of the volcanic activity and were caught off guard by the sudden eruption. Many of them were unable to descend due to the poor visibility and the hazardous conditions. Some of them managed to contact the authorities and seek help.
Harry Augustian, an official with the local search and rescue agency in Padang, said eight of the climbers were admitted to hospitals on Sunday. He said they suffered from injuries, burns, and respiratory problems. Abdul Malik, head of West Sumatra’s search and rescue agency, said rescuers recovered 11 bodies of climbers on Monday morning. They also saved three more people who were in critical condition. He said, “The process of evacuating the bodies and victims is going on. Rescue workers are still searching for 22 missing climbers.” He added that the rescue operation was hampered by the bad weather and the ongoing volcanic activity.
