Death toll jumps to 22 following eruption of Marapi volcano in Indonesia

Rescue officials said the death toll has climbed to 22 climbers nearly two days after Indonesia’s Marapi volcano erupted on Sunday, sending toxic smoke thousands of feet into the air and blanketing surrounding communities in a coating of ash.

According to Reuters, three survivors were found on Monday along with the bodies of 11 climbers, who were among dozens that were in the area when the mountain exploded.

Early Tuesday, West Sumatra rescue agency officials told Reuters that the bodies of an additional 11 climbers were found near the crater, bringing the death toll to 22.

Search and rescue teams continue to evacuate dead bodies from the peak of the volcano.

Several other climbers were located safely, and others were taken to local hospitals to be treated for injuries.

Indonesia’s National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure (BNPB) said the nearly 9,500-foot volcano in West Sumatra began erupting just before 3 p.m. local time on Sunday, with officials saying the volcanic ash raining down on local communities “made the atmosphere in Nagari Lasi very thick and dark.”

The BNPB said there had been 75 climbers in the area at the time of the eruption.

Of those, 40 were able to descend the volcano safely. 

But conditions in the area remain dangerous.

“The eruption is still occurring, and we are carrying out search efforts with a joint team,” said Ade Setiawan Putra, of the Agam Regency BPBD Pusdalops team.

Disaster response teams were sent to the area after the eruption and immediately began to distribute masks to the community.

In addition, officials warned residents not to leave their homes, considering the large amount of volcanic ash that could have an impact on health.

The BNPB said Mount Marapi remains on an Alert Level II, which had been the alert level before Sunday’s eruption because symptoms of volcanic activity had been observed since January.

Officials are recommending residents, tourists and visitors not to carry out activities within a two-mile radius of the volcano’s crater.

More than two days after the eruption, volcanic ash continues to rain down in Agam Regency, West Sumatra Province.

Anyone who does go outside is also advised to wear a mask, hat and glasses and to clear ash from the roofs of buildings so that they don’t collapse.