Flash floods, cold lava flow kill 12 in Indonesia

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA)- At least 12 people were killed and four others went missing after flash floods and cold lava flow from a volcano hit western Indonesia, rescue officials said on Sunday.

The calamity hit Agam and Tanah Datar districts in West Sumatra province on Saturday following hours-long torrential rain, which triggered flashfloods and a cold lava flow from Mount Marapi, according to a statement from Basarnas search and rescue agency.

Also known as lahar, cold lava is volcanic material like ash, sand and pebbles carried down a volcano’s slopes by rain.

“Twelve people died and they had been taken to the hospital ... and four other people are still being searched in Agam district,” the statement added.

Search and rescue operation will continue in the two districts on Sunday, as a team of rescuers and rubber boats to look for the missing victims was dispatched to the affected area.

Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world to form a single state, is prone to landslides and floods during the rainy season.

In March, at least 26 people were killed due to floods and landslides in West Sumatra.