PADANG, Indonesia: At least 12 individuals, including children, lost their lives and four others remain missing following a devastating disaster in Agam and Tanah Datar districts of West Sumatra province, Indonesia.
The catastrophe, which occurred late on Saturday, was triggered by heavy rainfall and resulted in flash floods and a cold lava flow from Mount Marapi.
The Basarnas search and rescue agency reported that the flash flood and cold lava flow struck the region around 10:30 pm on Saturday after prolonged heavy rain. Cold lava, also known as lahar, is comprised of volcanic materials such as ash, sand, and pebbles, carried down the slopes of the volcano due to rain.
Abdul Malik, head of the local rescue agency, confirmed the tragic toll, stating that twelve individuals had lost their lives, including young children. Efforts to locate four missing persons are ongoing in Agam district, with nine bodies already identified, including those of children aged three and eight.
Search and rescue teams, equipped with rubber boats, have been dispatched to search for the missing victims and provide assistance to affected individuals. Evacuation centers and emergency posts have been established by the local government to accommodate displaced residents.
Indonesia, known for its vulnerability to landslides and floods during the rainy season, has faced similar disasters in the past. In March, devastating landslides and floods in West Sumatra claimed the lives of at least 26 people.
Mount Marapi, the most active volcano in Sumatra, poses an additional risk to the region. In December, the volcano erupted, ejecting an ash tower 3,000 meters into the sky. The eruption claimed the lives of 24 climbers, primarily university students.
As Indonesia grapples with the aftermath of this latest disaster, efforts are underway to mitigate risks and provide support to affected communities in the affected districts.
