Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, erupted on Sunday. The eruption sent ash and debris up to 7,000 feet in the air. Lahars, or mudflows, also raced down the mountainside, causing widespread destruction. The volcano’s last major eruption was in 2018 when it killed 6 people.
Rescue operations continue on Indonesia’s Mount Merapi after a weekend eruption left 13 dead and 10 hikers missing. The death toll rose as rescuers found two more bodies on Tuesday. While the search for the missing hikers resumed after safety concerns temporarily halted operations.
Mount Marapi, also known as the “Mountain of Fire,” erupted on Sunday. It spewed a 3km ash cloud into the air and covered nearby villages in ash. Despite ongoing eruptions, hundreds of rescuers navigated slippery terrain in search of the missing hikers, taking advantage of brief periods of relative calm.
Of the 75 hikers in the area during the eruption, most have been evacuated and received treatment for burns. Syahlul Munal, a member of the rescue team, emphasized the urgency of the search, stating, “We are racing against time.”
The two bodies recovered on Tuesday were found in separate locations on the volcano. Mount Merapi is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, with a history of eruptions. Trails on the mountain had only reopened in June following ash eruptions earlier in the year.
More Bodies
Ahmad Rifandi, an official at Merapi’s monitoring station, reported five eruptions on Tuesday morning, emphasizing the ongoing activity of the volcano. Video footage from Sunday’s eruption showed a massive ash cloud spreading across the sky, with roads and cars covered in ash.
Rescue efforts faced challenges, with rescuers taking turns to carry the injured and deceased down the mountain’s difficult terrain. Burn injuries were reported among survivors, with some individuals transported to hospitals for treatment.
A harrowing video message from one survivor, Zhafirah Zahrim Febrina, known as Ife, depicted her burnt face and ash-covered hair. Ife, a 19-year-old student, appealed for help, revealing the traumatic experience. Her mother, Rani Radelani, described Ife’s psychological impact, stating, “She is affected psychologically because she saw her burns, and she also had to endure the pain all night.”
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Mount Marapi, standing at 2,891 meters (9,485 feet) on Sumatra, Indonesia’s third-largest island, remains active. The Indonesian archipelago, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences heightened volcanic and seismic activity due to the convergence of continental plates.
The volcano’s last major eruption was in 2018 when it killed 6 people. Indonesia is home to over 120 active volcanoes, making it one of the most volcanic countries in the world.