Missing Count Drops to 10 as Two More Hikers Found Dead Following Mt. Marapi Volcano Eruption, Bringing the Tally to 13

On December 3, Sunday, the mountain erupted with several hikers in close proximity. The lava gushed out of the volcano, instantly killing several hikers nearby. Initial reports suggested that at least twelve hikers have gone missing. Fortunately, it was later disclosed that the missing count has come down to ten, and as many as thirteen people have failed to survive the eruption. As soon as the news broke, a huge search party was deployed. They worked tirelessly starting December 5, to find traces of the missing hikers. 

Earlier, the officials had to break the dreadful news as they announced eleven casualties initially. Later, two more people were added to the list who fell victim to the wrath of nature. However, the search officials managed to find several other hikers who were severely injured and were brought down to receive further treatment. 

Over curiosity resulting in hiking disaster? 

The volcano reportedly spewed a tower which was 3000m higher than the volcano. Such was the intensity of the eruption that it still hasn’t subsided fully. As ashes have covered the area and occasional eruptions still happening, the search party has found it difficult to continue with the rescue operation. So far, five bodies have been recovered and presented for identification while the bodies of eight other hikers were in such a bad state that they had to be wrapped in body bags. 

Read More: Horrific Eruption of Indonesian Volcano Mount Marapi Claims Multiple Lives Amidst Dramatic Rescue for 12 Missing Climbers

However, amidst this tragedy of epic proportions, there lies a lingering question. Were the hikers over-curious? According to Hendra Gunawan, Head of Indonesia’s Volcanology Agency, things have not been all okay for Mt. Marapi for a long time. Gunawan informed that since 2011, the mountain was placed on a second level of a four-tier alert system. Gunawan further stated that hikers were prohibited from trespassing within the 3km radius of the crater. 

He had further blamed the over-adventurous nature of the hikers that led to their own downfall. People found within 1.5km of the crater were severely burned or injured. However, with the rescue mission in full flow, all hopes are not lost yet. 

Rescue team giving hope to the families of the missing 

As the news of the eruption spread, families of the hikers who were on the terrain haven’t stopped praying. The rescue team has been trying with all their might and has even scaled the area manually to find any traces of the missing ones. It was their tireless efforts that allowed the family of Zhafirah Zahrim Febrina to breathe a little easier. 

According to an interview given to AFP, the family stated that the 19-year-old Febrina could be spotted in a livestream TikTok video from one of the rescue party workers. Although she suffered several burns and is in a mental trauma, Febrina was alive. With more and more news coming in, we pray for the speedy recovery of everyone injured and peace for the souls that left the Earth too early. 

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