41 DEAD AFTER FLOODS AND VOLCANIC MUD FLOWS IN INDONESIA

Mon 13 May 2024:

Over the weekend, western Indonesia was ravaged by hours of relentless rainfall, triggering flash floods and a cold lava flow from a volcano, resulting in the confirmed deaths of at least 41 individuals.

According to a local disaster official speaking to AFP news agency, Mount Marapi, the most active volcano on Sumatra island, unleashed a torrent of ash and large rocks as the downpour intensified on Saturday night. As a consequence, 17 people are still missing, with three missing in the Agam district and 14 in Tanah Datar, which were the hardest-hit regions of the flood. These areas are home to hundreds of thousands of residents, amplifying the impact of the disaster.

The death toll from flash floods and cold lava on Mount Marapi in West Sumatra continues to rise as of Sunday (5/12) night, when 37 people have been pronounced dead.#SEAToday #SEATodayNews #Indonesia #SumateraBarat #Banjir #LaharDingin #GunungMarapi pic.twitter.com/amNreE3Ymw

— SEA Today News (@seatodaynews) May 13, 2024

In response, approximately 400 individuals, including police, soldiers, and local rescue teams, have been mobilized to conduct search and rescue operations. Utilizing a fleet of eight excavators and drones, efforts are underway to locate the missing individuals and provide aid to affected communities.

This recent catastrophe follows Marapi’s eruption in December, which claimed the lives of over 20 people. Cold lava, scientifically termed lahar, composed of volcanic debris like ash, sand, and pebbles, cascaded down the slopes of the volcano, exacerbating the destruction caused by the heavy rainfall.

The intense rain transformed roads into surging torrents, sweeping away vehicles and causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. Rescue missions have been hindered by road damage, complicating efforts to reach affected areas and provide assistance.

Indonesia’s susceptibility to landslides and floods during the rainy season is well-documented. In 2022, approximately 24,000 individuals were evacuated, and two children lost their lives due to floods on Sumatra island. Environmental activists have pointed to deforestation, primarily caused by logging, as a contributing factor exacerbating the severity of such disasters.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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