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Death toll from flash floods, cold lava mudslides in West Sumatra rises to 43

At least 1,159 individuals in Agam and 2,039 individuals in Tanah Datar have been moved to temporary shelters for safety.

13 May 2024 07:28pm
Rescuers evacuate an injured man through mud flooded area following a flash flood in Tanah Datar, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Photo by Givo Alputra/EPA
Rescuers evacuate an injured man through mud flooded area following a flash flood in Tanah Datar, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Photo by Givo Alputra/EPA

JAKARTA - Heavy rainfall on Saturday night triggered flash floods and a mudslide from a cold lava flow on Mount Marapi volcano resulting in 43 deaths and 15 missing persons across four districts in West Sumatra.

Agam District suffered the most, with 19 fatalities, followed by Tanah Datar District with 14, Padang Pariaman with eight, and Padang Panjang District with two.

As of Monday at 1pm local time, there are 15 missing persons, mainly in Tanah Datar and Agam, according to Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

At least 1,159 individuals in Agam and 2,039 individuals in Tanah Datar have been moved to temporary shelters for safety.

"Search and rescue operations will continue today,” BNPB spokesperson Abdul Muhairi said, adding that casualty figures might change as more reports are received.

Residents living near the riverbanks of Mount Marapi have been urged to stay vigilant for secondary hazards and consider evacuation if necessary.

The Mount Marapi Observation Post reported increased rainfall since 8.35 pm local time last night at the Batu Palano Station, Abdul Muhairi added. - BERNAMA

Related Articles:
flash floods
cold lava
mudslides
West Sumatra
Indonesia
Mount Marapi
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