Recent Volcano Eruption News

On Sunday, the Marapi volcano in West Sumatra, Indonesia spewed thick columns of ash reaching heights of up to 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) during its eruption, with hot ash clouds spreading several miles across the area. The incident has left many stranded on the mountain, and authorities have rescued 52 people, including three on Monday, while eight were rushed to hospital with burns and one suffered a broken limb.

According to Hari Agustian, an official at the local Search and Rescue Agency in Padang, all of the climbers had registered before starting their climb, but some may have taken illegal routes up the mountain. Authorities had prohibited climbing to the peak due to above-normal volcanic activity, which has been ongoing since 2011.

The volcano has been at its third highest alert level, indicating a significant threat to the surrounding area, and climbers were only allowed below the danger zone. Despite this, many broke the rules to fulfill their desire to climb further.

About 75 climbers had started their ascent on Saturday, becoming stranded when the volcano erupted. The search operation was temporarily halted due to renewed volcanic activity, with the bodies of 11 climbers recovered earlier in the day.

Indonesian authorities have since stopped searching for 12 missing climbers after the volcano erupted again on Monday, unleashing a new burst of hot ash reaching heights of up to 800 meters into the air. The search operation will resume once conditions improve.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of climbing active volcanoes and the importance of adhering to safety regulations. It also highlights the challenges faced by rescue teams in navigating treacherous terrain and adverse weather conditions to reach stranded climbers.

Recent volcano eruption news