Tragedy Strikes Marapi Volcano on Sumatra's Slopes
At least eleven hikers have tragically lost their lives in the recent eruption of Indonesia's Marapi volcano, located on the island of Sumatra. Twelve others are still missing as search efforts continue on the mountain known for its fiery fury. Approximately 50 hikers were safely evacuated following the eruption. The exact cause of the hiker's demises is yet to be fully understood.
The eruption on Sundays afternoon spurred an ash cloud up to three kilometers high, dimming the sky and showering nearby areas with a fine coat of ash. The volcano, standing nearly 3,000 meters high, has seen increased activity since the start of the year, according to the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG). The authorities established a three-kilometer exclusion zone around the crater's rim, urging residents to stay indoors for safety.
Marapi, which boasts a reputation as one of Sumatra's most active volcanoes, last erupted in 2018. Ash plumes then reached an impressive height of five kilometers above the crater. Java's Merapi volcano shares a striking similarity in name, but this neighboring volcano poses even more significant threats due to its often dangerous nature.
Indonesia, resting on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone of intense geological activity, bears the brunt of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Approximately 130 active volcanoes call the country their home.
Beyond the Headlines
The Marapi volcano is known for its history of small-to-moderate eruptions, with no documented lava flows outside the summit craters. However, the mountain's deadly potential has been all too evident in the past. A 1979 eruption resulted in around 80 fatalities, and numerous settlements and farmlands were severely impacted.
The most recent eruption on January 19, 2025, proved equally devastating, with eleven confirmed deaths, and twelve hikers still missing at the time of publication. Despite the tragedy, 28 climbers were fortunately able to survive the eruption, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of nature's fury.
For updated information on the ongoing status of Merapi volcano on Java, consult the sources below:
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