52 deaths confirmed in Indonesia's Sumatra Island floods

Tanah Datar, 15 May (HS): The death toll in floods in Indonesia?s Sumatra Island has gone up to 52. The rescue teams had removed 52 bides from the sludge by Tuesday evening.

Search for more is in progress, as the number of deaths may increase. Heavy rains, floods, landslides and cold lava coming out of Mount Merapi since Saturday night caused heavy damage in four districts of Sumatra Island,

The National Disaster Management Agency Spokesperson Abdul Muhari said a large number of residents were swept away in the floods. Several buildings are inundated with flood water. More than 3,300 people have taken shelter in temporary government shelters. The rescue teams are searching for 20 people who were reported missing.

Indonesia?s Meteorological Department has predicted more rains, which could continue for a week. The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation said Mount Merapi is known for sudden eruptions, which is difficult to predict.

Merapi volcano erupted in January 2024 and is active since then. Indonesia, located on the ?Pacific Ring of Fire? has more than 120 volcanos. Earthquake tremors are very common in Indonesia.