Rescue officials said the death toll rose to 22 climbers nearly two days after Indonesia’s Marapi volcano erupted on Sunday, sending toxic smoke thousands of feet into the air and covering 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 exploded.
Early on Tuesday, West Sumatra rescue agency officials told Reuters that the bodies of 11 other climbers were found near the crater, bringing the death toll to 22.
Search and rescue teams continue to evacuate bodies from the top of the volcano.
Several more climbers were located safe and others were taken to local hospitals to receive treatment for their injuries.
Indonesia’s National Disaster Countermeasures Agency (BNPB) said the nearly 9,500-foot volcano in West Sumatra began erupting just before 3 p.m. local time on Sunday, and officials said volcanic ash that rained down on local communities “made the atmosphere in Nagari Lasi very thick.” and dark.”
The BNPB said there were 75 climbers in the area at the time of the eruption.
Rescuers carry the body of a Mount Marapi eruption victim to an ambulance in Batu Palano, West Sumatra, Indonesia, Dec. 5, 2023. AP Rescuers prepare to evacuate the body of a climber who died in the eruption of Mount Marapi in Agam. West Sumatra, Indonesia, on December 5, 2023. AP
Of them, 40 were able to descend the volcano safely.
But conditions in the area remain dangerous.
“The eruption continues and we are carrying out search efforts with a joint team,” said Ade Setiawan Putra, from the BPBD Pusdalops team of Agam Regency.
Mount Marapi spews volcanic ash during an eruption seen from Sungai Pua in Agam, West Sumatra, on December 6, 2023. AFP via Getty Images Mount Marapi spews volcanic ash from its crater in Agam, West Sumatra, Indonesia, on December 5, 2023. AP
Disaster response teams were sent to the area after the eruption and immediately began distributing masks to the community.
In addition, authorities warned residents not to leave their homes, considering the large amount of volcanic ash that could have an impact on health.
The BNPB said Mount Marapi remains at Alert Level II, which was the alert level before Sunday’s eruption because symptoms of volcanic activity had been observed since January.
Rescuers evacuate the body of a climber who died in the Mount Marapi eruption in Agam, West Sumatra, Indonesia, Dec. 5, 2023. AP
Authorities recommend residents, tourists and visitors not engage in activities within a two-mile radius of the volcano’s crater.
More than two days after the eruption, volcanic ash continues to rain in Agam Regency, West Sumatra province.
Anyone going outside is also advised to wear a mask, hat and glasses and to remove ash from the roofs of buildings so they do not collapse.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn