A local rescue official said Tuesday that the overall number of hikers killed in an Indonesian volcano eruption has increased to 13 after two more bodies were discovered.
Abdul Malik, head of Padang Search and Rescue Agency, stated, “The total number of people who have died is currently 13”, adding that 10 hikers were still missing, and 52 were rescued.
He stated that the bodies of the two hikers were discovered late Monday.
Further volcanic activity and severe weather are impeding the rescue mission.
“The volcanic ash has reached the foot of the hill, which is a challenge for the team. Both routes will be steep and slippery”, Malik continued.
Eleven hikers were discovered dead near the crater of Mount Merapi on the island of Sumatra on Monday, while several more were found alive and brought down the mountain.
On Sunday, the volcano erupted an ash tower 3,000 metres (9,800 feet) taller than the volcano itself.
On Sumatra island, Mount Merapi, which means ‘Mountain of Fire’, is the most active volcano.
Occupying a spot on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’, where tectonic plates collide, Indonesia is subject to regular earthquake and volcanic activity.
Almost 130 volcanoes are active throughout the nation’s archipelago.
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