Flash floods in Sumatra, Indonesia leave 37 dead

PADANG, Indonesia – Tragedy struck once again in Indonesia as heavy rains and cold lava flows from Mount Marapi on Sumatra island triggered flash floods, claiming the lives of at least 37 people with more still missing.

The disaster unfolded late Saturday night when monsoon rains and a major mudslide caused a river to overflow its banks, unleashing torrents of cold lava and mud that swept through mountainside villages in West Sumatra province. The National Disaster Management Agency reported that over 100 houses and buildings were submerged in the floods.

Rescuers worked tirelessly to retrieve bodies from the worst-hit village of Canduang in Agam district, where 19 bodies were recovered. Additional bodies were found in neighboring districts, bringing the death toll to 37. The search for the missing individuals continues.

Videos released by the National Search and Rescue Agency depicted roads transformed into rivers of murky brown water, highlighting the extent of the devastation caused by the flash floods.

Mount Marapi, a 2,885-meter volcano, has been active since a deadly eruption late last year that claimed the lives of 23 climbers. The volcano remains at the third-highest alert level, indicating above-normal volcanic activity. Despite the ongoing volcanic activity, the eruption in January 2023 caused no casualties.

Indonesia, with over 120 active volcanoes, is no stranger to natural disasters due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” The recent flash floods serve as a grim reminder of the constant threat posed by volcanic activity in the region.