A terrible disaster struck Indonesia’s island of Sumatra on Saturday night.
Heavy monsoon rains lashed the area, causing a huge mudslide down the slopes of Mount Marapi, a volcano in the west of the island. This mudslide, a mixture of volcanic rock and debris called lahar, was so powerful that it overflowed a nearby river, sending a torrent of mud and water crashing through villages in four different districts.
The force of the flood was devastating. Homes and buildings were swallowed whole, and people were swept away in the muddy current. By Sunday afternoon, rescuers had found at least 37 bodies, with many more still missing. The worst-hit area was the village of Canduang, where 19 bodies were recovered.
This wasn’t the first time heavy rains had caused problems in this region. Just two months ago, similar downpours triggered flash floods and landslides, leaving a trail of death and destruction.
Mount Marapi itself is no stranger to danger. It last erupted late last year, catching a group of climbers by surprise and tragically taking their lives. The volcano remains active, and authorities warn people to stay away from the peak to avoid future hazards.
Indonesia, with over 120 active volcanoes, sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone notorious for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. This disaster highlights the constant threat faced by those living near these powerful natural forces.