JAKARTA – The Marapi volcano on the Indonesian island of Sumatra erupted at 2:30 p.m. local time this Sunday, spewing an ash cloud around three kilometers high into the sky. The eruption was so violent that it could be heard within a radius of 25 kilometers. The ash has spread up to 350 kilometers north of the volcano.

Authorities set up an exclusion zone with a 3 km radius around the crater to ensure the safety of the population. Unfortunately, the eruption killed eleven climbers who were near the summit. Twelve other people are still missing and the search for them is in full swing.

Marapi is one of the most active volcanoes in Sumatra and has produced explosive eruptions several times in the past. It is close to the towns of Bukittinggi, Padang Panjang and Batusangkar, which were covered by the ash. Authorities have declared the highest alert level and urged the population to stay away from the volcano.

The eruption has also caused a tragedy that has left at least 23 people dead. The victims were hikers who were at the summit of the volcano when it erupted. They were surprised by the glowing ash and suffered severe burns. Rescue workers searched for the missing but found few survivors. Most of the dead were students from a university in Padang who were taking part in an expedition.

The volcanic eruption shook the island of Sumatra and caused fear and sadness for many people. The government has announced emergency aid for those affected and is trying to bring the situation under control. However, the Marapi remains dangerous and could erupt again at any time.

Volcanic ash can also have negative health effects, especially if inhaled. It can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as trigger coughing, shortness of breath, and asthma attacks. It can cause serious complications in people with chronic lung disease. (zia)