By A devastating series of flash floods, landslides, and cold lava flows triggered by heavy rainfall has claimed the lives of at least 43 people in Indonesia’s West Sumatra province over the weekend. As rescue efforts continue, authorities report that 15 people remain missing, with search operations underway to locate them.
The catastrophic events unfolded on Saturday evening when torrential rain battered three districts in the province, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Abdul Malik, chief of the provincial rescue team, told Reuters that the heavy rain swept volcanic ash and large rocks from Mount Marapi, one of Sumatra’s most active volcanoes, creating a deadly mixture known as a lahar, or cold lava flow.
In December, Mount Marapi erupted, killing more than 20 people, and has since experienced a series of eruptions. “Cold lava flow and flash floods have always been threats to us recently. But the problem is, it always happens late at night until dawn,” Abdul Malik said, highlighting the challenges faced by local communities.
Search and rescue efforts are in full swing, with around 400 personnel, including rescuers, police, and military, deployed to locate the missing individuals. At least eight excavators and drones are being utilized to aid in the search operation.
According to the national disaster and management agency BNPB, the devastating floods and landslides have damaged nearly 200 houses and affected 178 acres of land, including rice fields. At least 159 people from the Agam district have been evacuated to nearby schools for safety.
Video footage shared by the BNPB shows the extent of the damage, with roads and rice fields covered in mud, and the wreckage of damaged homes and buildings scattered throughout the affected areas. The floods also carried logs and large rocks into settlements, further compounding the destruction.
Eko Widodo, a 43-year-old survivor, recounted the suddenness of the flooding, saying, “The flooding was sudden and the river became blocked, which resulted in the flow of water everywhere, and it was out of control.”
As rescue efforts continue and the death toll rises, the people of West Sumatra are left to grapple with the devastating aftermath of these natural disasters. The Indonesian government and relief organizations are working to provide aid and support to those affected by the tragedy, as the nation mourns the loss of life and begins the long road to recovery.
