28 killed in flash floods, cold lava flow in Indonesia

May 12, 2024 17:04

File image

At least 28 people, including children, have died after flash floods and cold lava flew from a volcano hit western Indonesia, Al Jazeera reported, citing rescue officials.

Basarnas Search and Rescue Agency said in a statement on Sunday, mentioning that the disaster hit Agam and Tanah Datar districts in the West Sumatra province at about 10:30 pm (15:30 GMT) on Saturday after hours of heavy rain, triggering a flash flood and a cold lava flow from Mount Merapi.

Cold lava, also known as lahar, is volcanic material like ash, sand and pebbles carried down a volcano's slopes by rain.

Moreover, photos and videos posted on social media showed large rocks and thick mud covering the streets of West Sumatra, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The disaster comes just two months after another deadly flooding hit the same island.

Following the floods, the authorities dispatched a team of rescuers and rubber boats to look for the missing victims and to transport people to shelters.

Meanwhile, the local government set up evacuation centres and emergency posts in several spots in the two districts to extend help, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Notably, Indonesia is prone to landslides and floods during the rainy season.

Last week, 15 people were killed in South Sulawesi after landslides and flooding swept away homes and damaged roads in the region. -- ANI

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Why analysts are bullish about Voltas ACs' earnings

Voltas saw strong growth in both UCP (Unitary Cooling product) and EMPS (electro mechanical projects) segments.

Dabur plans first plant in South India, to invest Rs 400 crore in Tamil Nadu

Home-grown FMCG major Dabur India on Thursday said it will set up a Rs 400-crore manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu's Villupuram district, marking the company's maiden foray into the South. State Industries Minister TRB Rajaa said, Dabur...

Al Qaeda terror module aspiring to declare 'khilafat' busted

The members of the terror module were trained, including in handling weapons, at various locations.

'I'm A Public Figure, Not Public Property'

'If you shout at me, I will not take it.' 'If you jump on me and pounce on me or physically come too close to me, that's not acceptable.'

Kolkata rape-murder case: SC find police delay 'extremely disturbing'

A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud was told by the counsel for resident doctors at AIIMS Nagpur that they are being victimised for protests over the Kolkata rape-murder case.