Mount Marapi in West Sumatra erupted from Sunday, 3 December 2023, to Monday, 4 December 2023. During this time frame, there were 46 eruptions and 65 gusts observed from the mountain’s summit. Consequently, this natural occurrence led to 75 hikers becoming stranded on the mountain slopes during the eruption.
The Padang City National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) managed to evacuate 63 individuals. Among them, 52 people were discovered safe, while 11 unfortunately lost their lives.
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As of December 4, 2023, 12 hikers remain missing, capturing the primary attention of the SAR team for search and rescue efforts. Presently, the rescued survivors have been swiftly transported to hospitals in Padang Panjang and Bukittinggi to receive critical medical care.
Mount Marapi’s current status stands at level II (Moderate to heightened volcanic unrest). As a precautionary measure, both tourists and residents are prohibited from approaching within a 3-kilometre radius of the crater’s summit.
The eruption of Mount Marapi occurred approximately at 2:53 pm local time, as reported by Ahmad Rifandi, the Head of the Mount Marapi Observation Post. The eruption was accompanied by dense hot clouds and ash rain. Due to the dense fog enveloping the mountain region, the exact height of the ash cloud resulting from Mount Marapi’s eruption was indiscernible at that moment.
[UPDATE] Hikers Death Toll After Mount Marapi Eruption Among Rises by 22
On 5 December 2023, the Basarnas team successfully located 11 deceased victims and is presently engaged in ongoing evacuation efforts. According to Basarnas (Indonesian National Armed Force) spokesperson Arief Pratama, 9 out of the 10 individuals reported missing by the afternoon of 5 December 2023, have been discovered deceased.
West Sumatra Police Chief Inspector General Suharyono expressed there is a high likelihood of unregistered climbers being present. This aspect is undergoing thorough investigation to broaden the search areas for additional victims. As per information from the West Sumatra Police forensic team, 16 victims have been positively identified, while examinations of the remaining 6 bodies are presently underway.
The victims, on average, were university students, notably young with ages ranging from 20 to 27 years old. The total deployment for rescue operations involves 32 teams comprising 300 individuals from the National Search and Rescue Agency, the Indonesian National Armed Force, Indonesian Police, volunteers, and the local community.
About Mount Marapi in Bukittinggi, West Sumatera
Situated in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, Indonesia, Mount Marapi stands as an active volcano in the region. Having experienced over 50 eruptions since the 18th century, this mountain range has remained consistently active. In the year 2023 alone, it has erupted twice—on 7 January 2023, and more recently, on 3 December 2023.
Rising to an elevation of 2,891 meters above sea level, Mount Marapi serves as a popular destination for hikers across Indonesia. Consequently, it’s no surprise that numerous hikers found themselves stranded on the mountain’s slopes during the recent eruption. It’s advisable for individuals to refrain from engaging in activities on mountain slopes and to consider wearing masks and glasses when stepping outside their homes.
