Tragedy struck Mount Marapi in Indonesia as at least 11 climbers lost their lives, and 22 are feared missing following a volcanic eruption. The incident occurred a day after the volcano, situated in Indonesia’s West Sumatra province, started emitting smoke and ash.
Search spokesperson Jodi Haryawan reported that approximately 75 individuals were ascending the 2,891m (9,485 ft) Mount Marapi when the eruption took place. The eruption led to thick columns of ash rising up to 3km, covering nearby roads and villages. The rescue operation faced additional challenges when a smaller eruption occurred, temporarily suspending the search efforts.
Rescue teams, led by Abdul Malik, head of West Sumatra’s search and rescue agency, worked to recover bodies and survivors. Many of those evacuated were treated for burns, emphasising the severity of the volcanic activity. The search for the 22 missing climbers continued amid difficult conditions.
Mount Marapi is known as one of the region’s most active volcanoes, and this is not the first time it has erupted in recent months. Earlier eruptions were recorded between January and February, indicating ongoing volcanic activity. The deadliest eruption on Mount Marapi took place in April 1979, claiming the lives of 60 people.
The latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity and the risks associated with climbing active volcanoes. Authorities are actively involved in search and rescue operations, emphasising the need for caution and preparedness in areas prone to volcanic activity.
Mlima Marapi nchini Indonesia umeharibika kwa sababu ya mlipuko wa volkano, na watu 22 wanahuzunishwa na kupotea. Tukio hilo lilitokea siku moja baada ya volkano hiyo, iliyoko mkoa wa Sumatra Magharibi nchini Indonesia, kuanza kutokeza moshi na majivu. Msemaji wa shirika la utafutaji Jodi Hariawan amesema watu 75 walikuwa wakipanda mlima wa Marapi wenye urefu wa mita 2,891 wakati wa mlipuko huo. Mlipuko huo ulisababisha safu nzito za majivu kuongezeka hadi kilomita 3, ikifunika barabara na vijiji vilivyo karibu. Operesheni ya uokoaji ilikabiliwa na changamoto za ziada wakati mlipuko mdogo ulipotokea, ukisimamisha kwa muda juhudi za utafutaji. Timu za uokoaji, zikiongozwa na Abdul Malik, mkuu wa shirika la utafutaji na uokoaji la Sumatra Magharibi, zilifanya kazi ya kupata miili na waokokaji. Wengi wa wale waliohamishwa walitibiwa kwa ajili ya kuchomwa moto, wakikazia ukali wa shughuli za volkano. Utafiti wa wapanda mlima hao 22 ambao bado hawajulikani ni wa mwisho, umeendelea kwa muda mrefu. Mlima Marapi ni mojawapo ya volkano zenye shughuli nyingi katika eneo hilo na si mara ya kwanza kwa mlipuko huo kutokea. Mlipuko wa awali ulirekodiwa kati ya Januari na Februari, ukionyesha utendaji wa volkano unaoendelea. Mlipuko mkubwa zaidi wa Mlima Marapi ulifanyika mnamo Aprili 1979, na kuua watu 60. Tukio hili la hivi karibuni linatukumbusha kwa nguvu juu ya hali isiyoweza kutabiriwa ya shughuli za volkano na hatari zinazohusiana na kupanda volkano zinazofanya kazi. Mamlaka zinashiriki kikamilifu katika shughuli za utafutaji na uokoaji, zikikazia haja ya tahadhari na utayari katika maeneo yanayokabiliwa na shughuli za volkano.