Indonesian rescuers have discovered the bodies of 11 climbers after the Sunday eruption of the Marapi volcano in West Sumatra, as reported by a spokesperson on Monday.
According to rescue officials, only three climbers were found alive, with Abdul Malik, head of the Padang Search and Rescue Agency, describing their state as “weak, with some burns.” While 12 climbers remain missing, rescue workers had to temporarily suspend their operations due to a minor eruption on Monday.
Authorities reported that there were 75 climbers in the area when the volcano in West Sumatra erupted on Sunday. Of these, 49 climbers were evacuated earlier in the day, many of whom suffered burns “because it was very hot.” However, 26 of them were not evacuated.
Video footage of the eruption showed massive clouds of volcanic ash rising as high as 3,000 meters (9,840 feet), spreading across the sky, with cars and roads covered in debris.
According to Indonesia’s National Disaster Agency via AFP, the falling ash covered several villages, blocking sunlight and prompting authorities to distribute masks and advise residents to wear eyeglasses for protection against volcanic ash.
Marapi is one of over 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia and is susceptible to seismic activity due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Therefore, the area is characterized by an arc of volcanoes and fault lines that encircle the Pacific Basin, making it prone to geological phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
