Indonesian rescue teams have amplified search operations in an attempt to locate the final missing hiker after a devastating volcanic eruption claimed the lives of 22 individuals, leaving families and authorities desperate for any signs of the last victim. Mount Marapi, situated on the Sumatra island, unleashed an ash column towering 3,000 meters into the sky on Sunday, surpassing the volcano’s height, while 75 hikers were in the vicinity.
The search for the missing hiker has continued for several days, although the prospects of finding the person are dwindling as time passes since the calamity. The relentless rescue efforts have been impeded by ongoing volcanic activities, inclement weather, and intermittent eruptions, making it challenging for rescue teams to sustain their operations without disruptions.
Abdul Malik, head of the Padang Search and Rescue Agency, addressed reporters, highlighting the uncertainties surrounding the missing hiker’s whereabouts amid conflicting reports and speculative information. Despite earlier statements by the West Sumatra police chief expressing fears of the last hiker’s demise, rescue authorities on-site have yet to confirm this.
While hope for rescuing those missing diminishes, survivors have recounted the harrowing moments during the eruption. One survivor described the chaotic scene, narrating how individuals attempted to flee as the eruption commenced. The eruption’s suddenness led some to leap to safety, while others sought refuge behind nearby rocks to shield themselves from the volcanic onslaught.
Among those affected, two off-duty police officers were among the hikers exploring the volcano, one surviving with injuries while the other’s fate remains uncertain. The volcano’s recent activity has sparked discussions regarding safety protocols, particularly about venturing too close to the crater. Indonesian authorities stressed that their advisory recommended avoiding activity near the volcano, emphasizing safety concerns.
Mount Marapi’s volcanic eruption underscores Indonesia’s vulnerability to seismic and volcanic disturbances due to its geographical position along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” characterized by tectonic plate interactions. The volcano, among the archipelago’s many active ones, has maintained its status on an alert system, signifying potential hazards since 2011.
As rescue teams continue their arduous search efforts, hopes linger for the safe discovery of the missing hiker, while the eruption’s aftermath serves as a stark reminder of the country’s susceptibility to volcanic activities.
Sources By Agencies
