Tragedy Strikes as Merapi Volcano Eruption Claims Lives of Eleven Climbers in Indonesia.

West Sumatra, Indonesia – December 4, 2023: In a devastating turn of events, eleven climbers lost their lives on Monday as a result of the eruption of Merapi volcano in West Sumatra. The eruption, which occurred on Sunday, prompted a rescue mission to locate 12 missing climbers. However, the search was temporarily halted due to safety concerns, while three survivors were discovered along with the bodies of the deceased.

Jodi Haryawan, the spokesperson for the search and rescue team, confirmed that the tragic incident unfolded among a group of 75 climbers who were in the vicinity at the time of the eruption. Merapi, standing at an elevation of 2,891 meters (9,485 ft), spewed ash as high as 3 km into the sky, marking a catastrophic event for those in its proximity.

Authorities swiftly raised the alert level to the second-highest and imposed a strict prohibition, restricting residents from approaching within 3 km of the crater. Video footage captured the grim aftermath, showcasing a massive cloud of volcanic ash engulfing the sky, with roads and vehicles blanketed in ash.

A secondary eruption on Monday prompted the suspension of the search and rescue operation, with Jodi stating, “It’s too dangerous if we continue searching now.” The rescuers faced hazardous conditions, making it imperative to prioritize their safety.

Earlier on Monday, 49 climbers were successfully evacuated from the affected area, with many requiring medical attention for burns sustained during the eruption.

Marapi is renowned as one of the most active volcanoes on Sumatra island, with its deadliest eruption occurring in April 1979, claiming the lives of 60 individuals. The current eruption marked a grim addition to Marapi’s history, which experienced activity between January and February this year, with ash reaching heights of 75 to 1,000 meters from the peak.

Indonesia, situated on the Pacific’s notorious “Ring of Fire,” boasts 127 active volcanoes, according to the volcanology agency. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity in the region, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and preparedness to mitigate the impact on human lives.