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Indonesia's Sumatra island faced a dual disaster as heavy rains and torrents of cold lava cascaded down Mount Marapi's slopes, triggering flash floods. This lethal combination claimed the lives of at least 37 individuals, with many more reported missing. The catastrophe unfolded late Saturday night when monsoon rains collided with a significant mudslide from Mount Merapi's cold lava flow. The ensuing floods wreaked havoc on four districts in West Sumatra province, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
Rescuers tirelessly worked to retrieve bodies from the debris, with the worst-hit village of Canduang in Agam district bearing the brunt of the tragedy. Despite their efforts, the death toll climbed steadily, leaving families shattered and communities in mourning.
Cold lava, also known as lahar, surged down the volcano's slopes, engulfing villages and submerging over 100 homes and buildings. This volcanic material, mixed with pebbles, intensified the deluge and compounded the devastation.
At least 34 people have died and 16 more are missing after flash floods and cold lava flow from a volcano hit western #Indonesia. pic.twitter.com/Lp3ySyzzQH
— Adam Orakzai (@AdamOrakzaii) May 12, 2024
As the sun rose on Sunday, rescue teams intensified their efforts to locate survivors trapped beneath the rubble. With each passing hour, the urgency of their mission grew, fueling hopes of finding those still unaccounted for.
Mount Merapi's eruption history adds a layer of complexity to the disaster. Despite being on alert status since 2011, the volcano's sporadic eruptions remain unpredictable, posing a constant threat to nearby communities.
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