Rescue officials said the death toll had risen to 22 climbers nearly two days after Indonesia’s Marapi volcano erupted on Sunday, sending toxic fumes thousands of feet into the air and blanketing surrounding communities in a layer of ash.
According to Reuters, three survivors were found on Monday along with the bodies of 11 climbers, who were among dozens who were in the area when the mountain erupted.
Earlier on Tuesday, West Sumatra rescue agency officials told Reuters that the bodies of 11 additional climbers were found near the crater, bringing the death toll to 22.
Search and rescue teams continue to remove bodies from the top of the volcano.
Several other climbers were found safely, and others were taken to local hospitals to be treated for injuries.
Indonesia’s National Disaster Response Agency (BNPB) said the nearly 9,500-foot volcano in West Sumatra began erupting shortly before 3pm local time on Sunday, with officials saying volcanic ash rained down on local communities “made the atmosphere in Nagari Lasi very thick. and dark.”
BNPB said there were 75 climbers in the area when the eruption occurred.
Rescuers carry the bodies of Mount Marapi eruption victims into an ambulance in Batu Palano, West Sumatra, Indonesia, on Dec 5, 2023. AP Rescuers prepare to move the bodies of climbers killed in the Mount Marapi eruption in Agam, West Sumatra, Indonesia on Dec 5, 2023. AP
Of those, 40 were able to descend the volcano safely.
But the situation in the area remains dangerous.
“The eruption is still happening and we are carrying out search efforts with a joint team,” said Ade Setiawan Putra, from the BPBD Pusdalops team in Agam Regency.
Mount Marapi spews volcanic ash during an eruption as seen from Pua River in Agam, West Sumatra, on Dec. 6, 2023. AFP via Getty Images Mount Marapi spews volcanic ash from its crater in Agam, West Sumatra, Indonesia, on Dec. 5. , 2023. AP
Disaster response teams were dispatched to the area after the eruption and immediately began distributing masks to the community.
In addition, officials warned residents not to leave their homes, given the large amount of volcanic ash that could affect health.
BNPB said Mount Marapi remains at Alert Level II, which is the alert level before Sunday’s eruption because symptoms of volcanic activity have been observed since January.
Rescue teams move the bodies of climbers killed in the eruption of Mount Marapi in Agam, West Sumatra, Indonesia, on Dec. 5, 2023. AP
Officials recommend that residents, tourists and visitors not carry out activities within a two-mile radius of the volcano’s crater.
More than two days after the eruption, volcanic ash continued to fall in Agam Regency, West Sumatra Province.
Anyone who goes outside is also advised to wear a mask, hat and glasses and clean the ash from the roof of the building to prevent it from collapsing.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
