A catastrophic event struck the western Indonesian island of Sumatra, resulting in the deaths of at least 41 people due to flash floods and “cold lava” flows from Mount Marapi, the region’s most active volcano. The disaster unfolded after hours of heavy rainfall on Saturday, which caused torrents of ash and rocks to cascade down the slopes of the volcano.
Devastation Across Two Districts
The violent mudslides triggered by the volcanic debris and rainwater overwhelmed two districts, leading to significant loss of life and destruction of property. The surging mudflows swept away residents, causing extensive damage to over 100 homes as well as mosques and public facilities. The severity of the situation was exacerbated by the velocity and volume of the mudslides, making escape and immediate rescue efforts difficult.
Ongoing Search and Rescue Operations
In the aftermath of the disaster, emergency response teams have been deployed to conduct search and rescue operations. Seventeen individuals are reported to still be missing, and efforts to locate them are ongoing amid challenging conditions. The community and rescue teams are working tirelessly, hoping to find survivors and provide relief to those affected by the tragedy.
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