Mount Marapi: Eleven hikers killed as volcano erupts in Indonesia

Eleven hikers were discovered lifeless in the vicinity of Indonesia’s Mount Marapi volcano following a weekend eruption, according to rescuers. Twelve others remain unaccounted for, and the search was halted on Monday due to a subsequent smaller eruption. Despite the main eruption on Sunday affecting 75 hikers in the area, most were successfully evacuated. Mount Marapi emitted a 3km (9,800ft) ash cloud, casting a shadow over the sky and covering nearby villages in ash. As one of Indonesia’s 127 active volcanoes, Mount Marapi is popular among hikers; however, the deadliest eruption occurred in 1979, claiming 60 lives.

After the search was temporarily halted, three individuals were rescued near the crater on Monday, exhibiting signs of weakness and burns. Abdul Malik, head of the Padang Search and Rescue Agency, reported that 49 climbers were evacuated earlier in the day, many with burn injuries. The identities of the affected hikers have not been disclosed. Video footage of the eruption showed a massive ash cloud spreading across the sky, with ash covering cars and roads.

Rescue efforts involved transporting the deceased and injured down the challenging terrain of the mountain to waiting ambulances. Rudy Rinaldi, head of the West Sumatra Disaster Mitigation Agency, mentioned that some individuals suffered burns due to the intense heat. A distressed 19-year-old hiker, Zhafirah Zahrim Febrina, appealed for help in a video message from the volcano, displaying burn injuries. Her mother, Rani Radelani, highlighted the psychological impact on her daughter, who is currently undergoing treatment in the hospital.

Search and rescue spokesperson Jodi Haryawan explained that continuing the search during ongoing eruptions would be perilous. Mount Marapi, standing at 2,891m (9,485ft) on Sumatra, is situated in the Indonesian archipelago, known for its high volcanic and seismic activity due to the Pacific Ring of Fire.