At least eleven hikers killed in volcanic eruption in Indonesia Israel expands ground operations and faces increasing criticism – 4 questions and answers

At least eleven hikers have died in the eruption of the Marapi volcano on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Twelve others are still missing from the fire mountain, Abdul Malik, head of the national emergency services, said on Monday in the provincial capital Padang. About 50 other hikers were evacuated after the eruption. It was initially not known exactly how the victims died.

The almost 3,000 meter high volcano erupted early on Sunday afternoon (local time) and spewed an ash cloud about three kilometers high into the air. Authorities then immediately established a three-kilometer exclusion zone around the crater. An ash shower fell in several neighborhoods around the volcano. The sky also darkened occasionally. Residents were asked to stay in their homes.

According to measurements, Marapi erupted for almost five minutes. According to the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazards (PVMBG), the volcano’s activity has increased since January. Marapi is one of the most active volcanoes in Sumatra. The last outbreak occurred in 2018. At that time, volcanic ash rose up to five kilometers above the crater height.

On the Indonesian main island of Java there is a volcano with a very similar name: Merapi, one of the most dangerous volcanoes on earth. The world’s largest island nation is located in the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, the most geologically active zone on Earth. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur regularly along this belt. There are approximately 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia. (sda/dpa)