Twelve other people are still missing.
The volcano erupted at 2:54 p.m. (local time) on December 3, spewing volcanic ash up to 3,000 meters into the air and spreading to neighboring areas.
Marapi volcano suddenly erupted. (Source: Tempo)
The head of Indonesia's Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) said the eruption was sudden as the agency had not recorded any significant increase in volcanic activity recently. There were 75 people climbing in the area when the sudden eruption occurred. 19 people returned safely while several others are missing. The search for the missing has been temporarily suspended due to safety concerns.
Local authorities have raised the alert level to the second highest level and banned people from traveling within 3km of the crater. Residents of nearby areas are being advised to stay indoors and wear masks when going out to prevent acute respiratory infections.
Indonesia lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" and has 127 active volcanoes.
Pham Ha (VOV-Jakarta)
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