storm
At least 37 dead after mud floods in Sumatra
Several districts in West Sumatra province are affected by the storm. photo
© Ali Nayaka/AP
Mudslides fell on the slopes of the Marapi volcano on Saturday after heavy rain. Rescue workers expect the number of victims to rise.
The number of victims according to the serious ones Severe weather on the Indonesian island of Sumatra has risen to at least 37. A civil protection spokesman said 17 people were still missing.
Mudslides of cold ash and water, so-called lahars, fell on the slope of the Marapi volcano in West Sumatra province on Saturday after heavy rain. Several districts were affected. The rescuers had discovered more bodies than expected and they expected even more victims, said the spokesman.
The 2,891 meter high Marapi is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes with a long history of eruptions and lahars. Lahars – the word comes from Javanese – are considered particularly dangerous because they appear suddenly and rush rapidly down into the valley with their mix of mud, rock and rubble.
Comprised of more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia is a country where numerous earthquakes and intense volcanic activity occur. Because it lies on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, the most geologically active zone on earth.