11 killed in eruption of Mt. Marapi in Indonesia’s West Sumatra province

Mount Marapi in Indonesia’s West Sumatra province erupted on Sunday (Dec. 3, 2023), spewing ash and impacting areas within a radius of several kilometers.

 

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The joint team is still conducting search and rescue for climbers of Mount Marapi in Indonesia’s West Sumatra province, as of Monday (Dec. 4) morning, declaring that 11 climbers died and 28 others are safe.

“The volcano is erupting and we are still carrying out search and rescue,” according to Ade Setiawan who leads the control and operations team.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (locally known as BNPB) noted that on Monday at 10.30 local time, 28 out of a total of 75 climbers have been evacuated by the joint team.

The joint team rushed the climbers to medical facilities for further treatment, including to Dr Achmad Mochtar Regional Hospital (RSAM) in Bukittinggi city and an hospital in Padang Panjang city.

On Monday, the joint team also evacuated 11 climbers who were killed due to the eruption.

Meanwhile, the latest data showed that as of Monday (Dec. 4) morning Mount Marapi recorded eight eruptions and 43 gusts, with the largest amplitude reaching 14.2 mm and a duration of 56 seconds.

The Tanah Datar and Agam districts’ disaster management agency teams continue to monitor the development of the eruption of Mount Marapi in order to take quick actions and evacuate people if greater volcanic activities take place again.

The agency called on local people, tourists and climbers not to carry out activities within a three kilometer radius from of the peak.

People have been called to wear masks, hats and glasses when doing outdoor activities, as well as not to spread or trust unverified information.

The Center for Volcanology & Geological Disaster Mitigation said Mount Marapi is now at an alert status.

Reporting by Indonesia Window