Search resumes as Merapi volcanic mudflows recede in Central Java
Baku, March 5, AZERTAC
Search operations resumed on Thursday after flash floods mixed with volcanic debris from Mount Merapi receded in Magelang, Central Java, Antara reported citing the Indonesia’s disaster agency.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) stated that search and rescue teams restarted efforts as water levels dropped following the destructive flood earlier this week.
BNPB Spokesperson Abdul Muhari said rescuers have added more personnel and deployed heavy equipment to accelerate the search for missing victims.
The agency confirmed that two residents are currently reported missing, though officials warned this number could rise as rescuers assess the scale of the damage.
Muhari said the lahar flood struck Tuesday after intense rainfall hit the summit of Mount Merapi and its surrounding slopes.
The heavy rain triggered an overflow of the Senowo River in Dukun Subdistrict, sending torrents of mud, volcanic ash, and debris downstream into nearby communities.
Two residents died after being swept away by the powerful current. The victims, identified as 25-year-old Heru Setyawan and 26-year-old Arif Fuad Hasan, were located by search teams shortly after the disaster.
The BNPB also reported that six residents were injured and are receiving intensive medical treatment.
Emergency responders continue to monitor the injured as part of the ongoing disaster response.
Preliminary assessments by the Magelang regional disaster agency recorded significant infrastructure damage.
One truck was swept away, and one bridge collapsed completely.
Three other bridges suffered structural damage from the fast-moving flow of mud and debris.
Officials said the flood affected eight villages across the Dukun, Sawangan, and Mungkid Subdistricts in Magelang District, Central Java Province.
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