Rescuers in Indonesia have recovered more bodies after monsoon rains caused flash floods and mudslides on Sumatra Island, leaving at least 44 people dead and 15 missing. The deluge of cold lava and mud has submerged houses, displaced thousands, and hindered rescue efforts.
Relentless monsoon rains on Sumatra Island, Indonesia, have triggered devastating flash floods and mudslides, leading to a grim toll of 44 lives lost, with 15 still unaccounted for. The torrential downpours, combined with a landslide of mud and cold lava from Mount Marapi, caused a river to overflow its banks, unleashing a catastrophic deluge.
The flooding, which struck just before midnight on Saturday, ripped through mountainside villages in four districts of West Sumatra province, leaving a trail of destruction. Homes and buildings were submerged, while over 3,100 people were forced to seek refuge in temporary government shelters.
Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Agency, confirmed the number of fatalities in a news conference on Monday. At least 19 others sustained injuries, and search and rescue operations continue for those still missing.
Amidst the devastation, the floods carried a unique and deadly element: cold lava, also known as lahar. This viscous mixture of volcanic material and pebbles swept down the slopes of Mount Marapi, contributing to the destructive force of the deluge.
Rescuers face significant challenges in accessing the affected areas due to washed-out roads covered in mud and rocks. Abdul Malik, head of the search and rescue office in Padang, emphasizes the urgent need for heavy equipment to clear the path for rescue vehicles and facilitate search operations.
The rugged terrain, damaged infrastructure, and persistent rainfall have hampered rescue efforts, with operations being suspended late Monday due to darkness and unstable ground conditions.
Indonesia, an archipelago nation home to over 17,000 islands, is frequently plagued by landslides and flash floods during the monsoon season. Millions of people reside in mountainous areas or near floodplains, making them particularly vulnerable to such natural disasters.
The weekend's disaster is not an isolated event. In March, heavy rains triggered similar flash floods and landslides in West Sumatra, claiming the lives of at least 26 people and leaving 11 missing. The region is also prone to volcanic eruptions, with Mount Marapi's sudden eruption last year killing 23 climbers.
Indonesia's geographical location on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" makes it susceptible to seismic and volcanic activity, resulting in frequent natural disasters. The country's mountainous terrain and dense population density further exacerbate the risks associated with these events.
