Flash floods and cold lava flow from a volcano in western Indonesia have resulted in the deaths of 41 people, with 17 more still missing. The disaster occurred on Sumatra island over the weekend, following hours of heavy rain that caused volcanic rocks to roll down one of Indonesia’s most active volcanos into two districts. In addition to the loss of life, flooding has also inundated roads, homes, and mosques in the affected areas of Agam and Tanah Datar.
Rescue efforts are currently underway to locate the missing individuals, with three from Agam district and 14 from Tanah Datar. The bodies of those who have been recovered so far include two children aged three and eight. Officials are urging residents to evacuate to safer places like relatives’ homes rather than tent shelters, especially considering the ongoing heavy rainfall in the region. The focus is on finding and rescuing victims, as well as protecting and supporting those who have been displaced by the disaster.
In response to the crisis, West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi Ansharullah has reported that around 130 people have sought shelter in an elementary school in Agam, while over 2,000 individuals have been evacuated to various locations in Tanah Datar. The aftermath of the flooding and cold lava flow has resulted in the transformation of roads into rivers, as well as significant damage to mosques and houses. Residents have been grappling with muddy flood waters, submerged neighborhoods, and vehicles being swept away by the rushing currents.
The phenomenon of cold lava, known as lahar, involves volcanic material like ash, sand, and pebbles being carried down a volcano’s slopes by rain. In this case, the volcanic ash and large rocks descended from Mount Marapi due to the heavy rainfall, exacerbating the impact of the flash floods and resulting in the destruction seen in Agam and Tanah Datar. The volcanic activity coupled with the intense precipitation has created a challenging situation for emergency responders, who are working tirelessly to locate missing persons and provide assistance to those affected by the disaster. The community has come together to support one another during this difficult time, with a focus on saving lives and ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
