5-12-2023 (JAKARTA) In a frantic race against time, hundreds of Indonesian rescuers are mobilizing efforts to locate a dozen hikers who have gone missing following a volcanic eruption that resulted in the tragic death of 11 individuals. The deceased hikers were discovered near the crater of Mount Marapi on Sumatra island, with rescue operations being hindered by subsequent eruptions and adverse weather conditions.
The eruption, which occurred on Sunday, propelled a towering ash column of 3,000 meters into the sky, surpassing the height of the volcano itself. Despite challenges posed by ongoing volcanic activity, rescuers are determined to find the missing hikers and evacuate the remaining bodies.
Hendri, head of operations at the Padang Search and Rescue Agency, disclosed that around 200 personnel would be deployed in addition to those already on site. As of Tuesday morning, six bodies were yet to be evacuated, with three hikers found alive and injured during the eruption receiving medical treatment.
Ahmad Rifandi, head of Marapi’s monitoring post, reported five eruptions observed from midnight to 8 am local time, indicating the continued activity of Mount Marapi. The volcano remains at the second level of a four-tier alert system since 2011, with a 3km exclusion zone enforced around its crater.
Officials expressed concern that some hikers may have ventured too close to the crater, flouting safety recommendations. The Indonesia volcanology agency underscored the importance of adhering to safety guidelines, particularly avoiding human activities in restricted zones.
Relatives anxiously await updates at the information center located at the mountain’s base. While the search for the missing hikers continues, families of survivors express relief. One hiker, Zhafirah Zahrim Febrina, was found alive and recovering in a nearby hospital, bringing immense relief to her family.
#WATCH: Moment burned volcano survivors plead for help after getting caught in deadly eruption that claimed 11 lives and left 12 others missing
Still covered in ash and clearly distraught, 19-year-old Zhafirah Zahrim Febrina spoke desperately into her phone in a clip since… pic.twitter.com/9KFB6VU9dh
— Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) December 4, 2023
With 75 hikers initially listed to have ascended the mountain since Saturday, the search will persist for seven days. Authorities are determined to identify the deceased through dental records, fingerprints, or distinctive body markings.
Mount Marapi, aptly named the “Mountain of Fire,” stands as the most active volcano on Sumatra island. Indonesia, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” witnesses frequent seismic and volcanic activities, boasting nearly 130 active volcanoes across the archipelago.
