11 climbers killed in volcanic eruption in Indonesia

Eruption of Mount Merapi / Collage 24 Channel, Photo Reuters

In Indonesia, the eruption of Mount Merapi claimed the lives of 11 climbers, and another 12 people are considered missing.

In the province of West Sumatra, where the elements are raging, a rescue operation is underway. After the volcanic eruption, two climbing routes were closed.

There were 75 people in the eruption area, three of whom were found alive. 49 people were evacuated before this, and 12 tourists are considered missing.

Level 2 danger

The volcano released a cloud of ash on Sunday. Authorities declared a level two danger and prohibited residents from approaching the crater closer than 3 kilometers.

The volcano threw out a cloud of ash / Photo by Reuters

What is known about the victims and injured

The search for the missing climbers has been suspended for now due to dangerous conditions.

26 people were not evacuated, we found 14 of them: three alive and 11 dead. The 12 climbers are still missing, said Abdula Malik, head of the search and rescue agency in the resort town of Padang.

It is noted that eight of those rescued were taken to the hospital with burns, and one had a broken end.

Online footage shows climbers being evacuated, their faces and hair covered in volcanic dust. Rescue teams worked throughout the night to help climbers down to safety.

The climbers ended up in the paste / Photo by Reuters

About 1,400 people live on the slopes of Merapi; the nearest villages are located 5 – 6 kilometers from the top.

Residents were urged to stay 3 kilometers from the crater / Reuters

What is known about Merapi volcano

• The Merapi volcano in West Sumatra has been active since its January eruption, with no casualties as a result of the eruption.
• The volcano is among more than 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia that experience seismic shocks due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”