Padang City SAR Records 43 People Died Due To Mount Marapi Cold Lava Flood

A number of residents passed in front of the mosque affected by the cold lava flood in Agam Regency, West Sumatra. BETWEEN/Muhammad Zulfikar

PADANG - The Padang City Search and Rescue Office (SAR), West Sumatra, reported that until today at 13.00 WIB the death toll from the cold lava flood of Mount Marapi and flash floods in three regions in the province reached 43 people. "The total number of victims who died in several places reached 43 people," said Padang West Sumatra City SAR Chief Abdul Malik in Padang, Antara, Monday, May 13. In detail, 19 victims died from Agam Regency, 14 in Tanah Datar Regency, eight in Padang Pariaman Regency and two victims from Padang Panjang City. Of that number, Basarnas reported 38 victims who had been identified. With the addition of these fatalities, SAR has also updated the number of victims who have not been found, namely 15 people. The details are 12 in Tanah Datar Regency and three people in Agam Regency. "Until now, the search team is still looking for the whereabouts of the residents who were reported missing," said Abdul. The head of the Padang City SAR explained that the search for missing victims suspected of being dragged by the flash flood was focused on the determined sectors. The search for missing victims was carried out from Padang Panjang City to the Batang Anai River.

To maximize the search for victims, the Padang City Basarnas assisted by the Pekanbaru Basarnas. Then the latest information, Basarnas Mentawai and Basarnas Jambi to the central Basarnas will also help search for victims who have not been found. On that occasion, Abdul said the area affected by flash floods and cold lava floods of Mount Marapi was one of the challenges of the search and rescue team in the field. Therefore, a lot of equipment and human resources are needed in their fields.