Volcanic eruption in Indonesia claims lives of 11 climbers, 12 people missing

Indonesia. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

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IBNS-CMEDIA: Bodies of 11 climbers were recovered on Monday and 12 people are still missing following the eruption of an active volcano in Indonesia’s West Sumatra province.

Mt. Marapi stands at a height of 2981 meters above sea level.

Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire. The country has 127 active volcanoes.

The mountain erupted on Sunday and spewed volcanic ash and sent giant plumes of smoke into the sky.

Evacuations are underway in the area, Abdul Malik, head of search and rescue teams in West Sumatra, told CNN and a team of 40 rescuers was currently on the mountain while eruptions were still taking place.

In addition to the 11 who had died, three climbers have been found alive but a further 12 remain missing, Malik said, their condition unknown.

According to reports, 75 people, including the climbers, have been evacuated so far.