Jakarta, IO – The search for climbers trapped after the eruption of Mount Marapi, West Sumatra managed to find managed to find more victims. West Sumatra Police chief Insp. Gen. Suharyono said the number of dead victims found has increased.
“Of the 75 known climbers, 52 people have been rescued, although there were minor injuries, serious injuries and so on. 23 of them were found dead,” said Suharyono, per Detikcom, Wed (6/12).
He detailed that during the search by 32 teams consisting of hundreds of joint personnel from various parties including the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), TNI and volunteers.
Dozens of teams carried out searches and evacuations at the top of the mountain, which is administratively located within the Agam and Tanah Datar Regencies.
“Altogether, there are up to 300 rescue workers,” he added.
Marapi Volcano Monitor Station (PGA) head Ahmad Rifandi previously said that 45 eruptions had occurred since Mount Marapi first erupted at 2.53pm WIB, Sun (3/12). He said the eruption produced hot ash with radius up to 3,000 meters.
The climbing route was not closed when the eruption occurred. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) revealed that Mount Marapi’s status has been designated Level II (Alert) since 2011.
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PVMBG head Hendra Gunawan explained that the alert status means that people can still carry out daily activities, but need to increase vigilance and keep safe distance of 3 km.
Hendra said that every month his party sends a letter of recommendation for status and safe distance. However, the implementation on the ground lies with the local government. (un)