Tragedy Strikes as Marapi Volcano Eruption Claims 22 Lives in Indonesia
December 5, Indonesia: A devastating eruption of the Marapi volcano in West Sumatra has left 22 climbers dead, as rescuers recover more bodies near the crater. The toll sharply increased from the earlier reported 13 casualties on the same day.
The 2,891-meter high volcano erupted on Sunday, releasing ash clouds soaring up to 3 kilometers into the sky. Search and rescue operations are underway, with around 200 rescuers working tirelessly to evacuate the deceased from the volcano’s peak.
Marapi, among Sumatra’s most active volcanoes, had last erupted earlier this year in January and February. Indonesia’s volcanology agency had consistently warned against climbing within a 3-kilometer radius of the summit since 2011.
Despite the warnings, 75 climbers were on the volcano during the eruption. Ahmad Basuki from the volcanology agency clarified that safety warnings were issued, but enforcement was the responsibility of the environment ministry and local authorities.
The Environment Ministry, conservation agency, and national disaster agency are now facing questions about permitting climbers despite the ongoing risk. The recent eruption marks the deadliest since 1979 when Marapi claimed 60 lives.
Indonesia, situated along the volatile “Ring of Fire,” hosts over 100 active volcanoes, making the monitoring of such unpredictable events challenging. The character of Marapi, according to Basuki, poses a constant danger, given the infrequent and unpredictable nature of its eruptions.
