Flash Floods and Mudslides in West Sumatra Kill 43, Volcanic Threat Looms
May 14, 2024Heavy monsoon rains in West Sumatra province, Indonesia, have triggered flash floods and mudslides, resulting in at least 43 fatalities and 15 missing persons.
The natural disaster was compounded by the flow of cold lava from Mount Marapi, an active volcano, damaging residences, infrastructure, and farmland.
Search operations are underway with 400 personnel and support from heavy machinery and drones, though the potential for further cold lava flows and flash floods poses an ongoing threat, especially overnight.
Mount Ibu in North Maluku has erupted, leading authorities to elevate the alert level and issue warnings to maintain a safe distance of at least 5 kilometers from the crater.
Indonesia's geography on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire' exposes the country to frequent landslides, flash floods, and volcanic eruptions.
Summary based on 55 sources
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Sources
The New York Times • May 13, 2024
Cold Lava and Floods Kill 37 on Indonesian Island of SumatraThe Guardian • May 13, 2024
Dozens killed in cold lava mudslides on Indonesian island of SumatraTime • May 13, 2024
Cold Lava Eruption and Flash Floods Kill Dozens in IndonesiaYahoo News • May 12, 2024
'God, have mercy!': Survivors recount horror of Indonesia flood