Tragic toll: 11 climbers dead, with 12 still missing after eruption at Indonesian volcano

Eleven climbers have perished and another twelve are unaccounted for in Indonesia after a highly active volcano erupted in the province of West Sumatra, as reported by officials to CNN on Monday.

Situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia boasts 127 active volcanoes - more than any other country in the world - with Mount Marapi being one of the most active.

The volcano, which stands at 2,891 meters (9,500 feet) high, erupted on Sunday, releasing volcanic ash and massive columns of smoke into the sky. Evacuations are currently being carried out in the region, according to Abdul Malik, the leader of the search and rescue teams in West Sumatra. He also mentioned that a group of 40 rescuers is currently on the mountain, despite ongoing eruptions.

Eleven individuals have tragically perished, while three climbers have been discovered alive. However, there are still 12 individuals who are unaccounted for. The condition of the missing individuals remains uncertain, as mentioned by Malik. A total of 75 people, including the climbers, have been successfully evacuated, with the injured being transported to the hospital, according to the latest update released on Monday morning.

A student walks as Mount Marapi volcano spews volcanic ash as seen from Nagari Batu Palano in Agam, West Sumatra province, Indonesia, December 4, 2023.

Antara Foto/Iggoy el Fitra/Reuters

Photos showed cars, roads, and entire villages nearby also seen covered in ash.

Officials monitoring Marapi's movements informed CNN affiliate CNN Indonesia about the potential hazards of Sunday's eruption, such as flowing molten lava that could potentially reach roads and nearby rivers.

Cracks emerge on a road due to volcanic activity near a police station.

Ragnar Visage/RUV/Reuters

Iceland is preparing for a possible volcanic eruption, and it's important to understand what could occur and the potential hazards. Marapi volcano, located on Sumatra island, is highly active and had a devastating eruption in April 1979, resulting in the loss of 60 lives, as reported by Reuters.

After the most recent eruption, officials have raised the second highest alert and prohibited all activities within a 2-mile radius of the Marapis crater. Ada Setiawan, a representative from Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), informed Reuters that masks were given to residents and they were advised to stay indoors.

In addition, climbing routes and trails have been shut down, according to officials.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misidentified the volcano. It is Mount Marapi, not Mount Merapi