On December 3, 2023, Mount Marapi, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, erupted, claiming the lives of 23 hikers and leaving many more injured and traumatized. The eruption sent a massive ash cloud 3,000 meters into the air, blanketing surrounding villages and causing widespread panic. Among those affected was Zhafirah Zahrim Febrina, a 19-year-old student who was on a hiking trip with her friends when the disaster struck.
The Eruption and Its Aftermath
Mount Marapi, located on the island of Sumatra, is known for its frequent eruptions. On the day of the eruption, there were 75 hikers in the area, many of whom were caught off guard by the sudden explosion of ash and rock. The volcano's activity has been closely monitored since 2011, with warnings issued to stay at least 3 kilometers away from the crater. However, some hikers ignored these warnings, seeking to climb closer to the volcano's peak.
The eruption was particularly devastating, with ash covering roads and villages, and rescuers facing treacherous conditions as they worked to evacuate survivors. Eleven hikers were initially confirmed dead, with twelve more missing. The search for the missing was frequently interrupted by smaller eruptions, which posed significant risks to rescue teams.
A Survivor's Plea for Help
Zhafirah Zahrim Febrina, or "Ife," was among those who managed to send a desperate plea for help. In a video message to her mother, Rani Radelani, Ife appeared visibly shaken, her face burnt and her hair matted with ash. She expressed feelings of fear, pain, and desperation, highlighting the psychological trauma she endured during the ordeal.
Rani Radelani described her daughter's condition as "tremendous trauma," noting that Ife was psychologically affected by seeing her burns and enduring pain throughout the night. Despite her ordeal, Ife is now receiving treatment in a nearby hospital.
Rescue Efforts and Challenges
Rescue efforts were hampered by the volcano's continued activity, with frequent eruptions forcing teams to pause their search for the missing. The terrain was arduous, with rescuers having to carry the dead and injured down the mountain on foot. Rudy Rinaldi, head of the West Sumatra Disaster Mitigation Agency, noted that those who were injured had been closer to the crater, suffering burns due to the intense heat.
By December 5, the death toll had risen to 22, with one hiker still missing. The search for the last missing person was resumed cautiously, given the ongoing volcanic activity.
Mount Marapi: A Volcano of Fire
Mount Marapi, meaning "Mountain of Fire," is one of Indonesia's 127 active volcanoes and is particularly known for its unpredictable eruptions. Its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it prone to seismic and volcanic activity. Despite warnings and previous eruptions, the volcano remains a popular destination for hikers seeking adventure.
The recent eruption has sparked discussions about safety measures and negligence, with some questioning why hikers were allowed to climb despite the risks. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by active volcanoes and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines.
Sources:
BBC News - "Mount Marapi: Indonesia volcano death toll rises to 22"
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67621787Time - "23 Hikers Confirmed Dead After Indonesia's Mount Marapi Erupts"
https://time.com/6342208/indonesia-mount-marapi-volcano-eruption/BBC News - "Mount Marapi eruption: Survivor tells BBC of ordeal from hospital"
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67629358