Moment mum finds her daughter caked in ash after surviving volcanic eruption

04 December 2023 , 16:30

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Moment mum finds her daughter caked in ash after surviving volcanic eruption

A 19-year-old hiker miraculously cheated death after being injured in a volcanic eruption that killed 11 people.

The young student, named Zafira, was with friends when tragedy struck. She was left with a badly burned face after being injured in a deadly eruption. The 9,485-ft high volcano spewed ash nearly two miles into the sky.

Her mother Rani filmed the moment she found Zafira caked in ash at the bottom of the volcano. She said: “She sent me a WhatsApp message. She said she didn't have any strength left.”

Around 75 people were climbing the volcano at the time. So far, eleven climbers have been confirmed as dead. A search operation for at least 12 missing persons is currently ongoing. However, the search team had to suspend the operation today (4 Dec) after another, smaller eruption occurred.

Around 75 people were climbing the volcano at the time of the eruption (Jam Press Vid)

Zafira was found at the bottom of the volcano (Jam Press Vid)

The eruption took place on Mount Marapi in West Sumatra, Indonesia, on 3 December. The authorities found three survivors along with the bodies of the 11 victims, according to search and rescue spokesperson Jodi Haryawan.

Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him

He added that 49 hikers were evacuated with many needing treatment for burns injuries. Zafira was one of the hikers to escape from the volcano with her life. She started climbing Mount Marapi with friends on 1 December.

Rescuers carry injured hikers down the volcano (Jam Press Vid)

Smoke plumes out of the volcano (Jam Press Vid)

Rani added that Zafira managed to make it down with her friends. The group was taken to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment. Rescue workers confirmed that the student is now out of trouble, but is very weak due to the burns all over her body.

The authorities have issued the country’s second-highest alert warning and prohibited locals from going within two miles of the crater. Mount Marapi is one of the most active volcanoes in Sumatra. Its deadliest eruption occurred in April 1979 when 60 people lost their lives. Located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia has 127 active volcanoes.

Ryan Fahey