In a tragic incident on Sunday, Mount Marapi, one of Indonesia’s 127 active volcanoes, erupted, claiming the lives of 11 people and leaving several others injured. The volcano, standing at 9,485 ft., spewed plumes of ash 9,800 ft. into the air, creating a hazardous situation for the 75 hikers in the vicinity at the time.
Video footage captured the ominous eruption, prompting the evacuation of 49 people to safety. However, three hikers had to be rescued, and 11 lifeless bodies were discovered near the crater on Monday. The rescued hikers suffered burns from the intense heat, necessitating medical attention.
Rudy Rinaldi, head of the West Sumatra Disaster Mitigation Agency, explained that those who sustained injuries were the ones who ventured too close to the erupting crater. Disturbingly, the psychological impact on survivors is evident, with reports of “tremendous trauma” among the victims, including burns and enduring pain throughout the night.
Efforts to locate the remaining 12 missing hikers were temporarily halted due to a smaller eruption. Jodi Haryawan, a spokesman for the search and rescue team, emphasized the danger, stating, “It’s too dangerous if we continue searching now.” Local residents are prohibited from approaching within 3 km (1.86 mi.) of the crater, and climbing routes have been officially closed.
Mount Marapi has been under heightened alert since 2011, with the alert level raised to the second-highest following Sunday’s eruption. Despite the prohibition on attempting to reach the peak, some hikers reportedly defied the rules to satisfy their desire for further exploration.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with the Pacific Ocean’s Ring of Fire, where Indonesia is located. Sumatra, part of the archipelago, witnesses frequent tectonic activity and volcanic eruptions. The region is known for its geological instability, with around 90% of earthquakes and 75% of active volcanoes occurring along the Ring of Fire, according to National Geographic.
Marapi’s deadliest eruption dates back to April 1979 when it claimed the lives of 60 people. The recent eruption underscores the need for strict adherence to safety regulations and the recognition of the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity in the area.
