5-12-2023 (JAKARTA) The aftermath of the volcanic eruption on Indonesia’s Mount Marapi continues to unfold as the death toll reaches 22, with nine additional bodies discovered, according to a statement from a search and rescue agency official on Tuesday. The eruption, which occurred on the island of Sumatra, saw Mount Marapi spewing an ash tower soaring 3,000 meters into the sky on Sunday.
Over the past few days, hundreds of rescuers have tirelessly worked to locate the missing hikers, numbering 10 on Tuesday before the latest announcement brought the search closer to conclusion. Abdul Malik, head of the Padang Search and Rescue Agency, revealed that nine of the missing victims were found dead and were being evacuated, with one remaining victim still being searched for.
The retrieval of the deceased has been a challenging process, with rescue officials carrying the bodies down the mountain in body bags over several days. Images shared by Basarnas, the search and rescue agency, depicted a team of six members clad in orange jackets and hard hats delicately transporting a body down the volcano’s side on Tuesday.
While some of the 75 hikers present on the mountain during the eruption were found alive and brought down, many suffered burns and fractures. One survivor, Ridho, 22, described the panic and chaos that ensued during the eruption, emphasizing the need for a swift escape.
The ongoing eruption has hampered rescue efforts, with the volcano still active as of midday on Tuesday. The presence of rainfall and volcanic smoke has further obstructed visibility, hindering the work of the more than 200 personnel involved in the rescue operation.
