the death toll from the Marapi volcano eruption rises to 13, ten hikers still missing

The toll is growing. The eruption of the Marapi volcano, which began on Sunday in western Indonesia, left 13 dead, a rescue official announced after the discovery of the bodies of two new deceased hikers on Tuesday, December 5.

The dead hikers were found Monday near the volcano’s crater, while others were found alive and brought down slopes during rescue operations complicated by further splashes and bad weather. “Ten missing hikers are still wanted”, said Abdul Malik, Padang city relief director. Several hundred Indonesian rescuers are mobilized.

“The volcano is still erupting”explained Hendri, head of Padang relief operations. “We cannot see the height of the column (of ashes) because it is covered by clouds”he added.

Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where the meeting of continental plates causes significant volcanic and seismic activity. The country has nearly 130 active volcanoes.