BATU PALANO, Indonesia (AP) — Rescuers searching the hazardous slopes of Indonesia's Mount Marapi volcano found more bodies among the climbers caught by a surprise eruption two days ago, raising the number of confirmed and presumed dead to 23.
More than 50 climbers were rescued after the initial eruption Sunday, and 11 others were initially confirmed dead.
Another eruption Monday spewed a new burst of hot ash as high as 800 meters (2,620 feet) into the air and temporarily halted search operations.
The bodies of five climbers have been recovered, and 18 are presumed dead because they were so close to the eruption of hot gases and ash.
Marapi spewed thick columns of ash as high as 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) in Sunday's eruption and hot ash clouds spread for several kilometers (miles).
Persons:
BATU, ” Mardianto, Marapi, Gobah Cumantiang, Edna Tarigan
Organizations:
Rescuers, West, Rescue Agency, Indonesia's Center, Volcanology, Associated Press
Locations:
BATU PALANO, Indonesia, Indonesia's Mount, West Sumatra, Rubai, Jakarta