24th Victim Of Indonesia Volcanic Eruption Dies After Struggle

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

JAKARTA/BALI (Worthy News) – The death toll from the volcanic eruption on Indonesia’s Mount Marapi that caught dozens of climbers by surprise this month has risen to 24 after a teenage girl, who became a symbol of determination and hope, lost her life.

After 13 days of receiving treatment in the hospital. Zhafirah Zahrim Febrina’s body was brought from the M Djamil Central General Hospital (RSUP) in Padang, West Sumatra, Worthy News learned Thursday.

The 19-year-old girl, better known as Ife, an aspiring athlete who wanted to join the Navy, was among the climbers impacted by the volcanic eruption on December 3, 2023.

In a video obtained by Worthy News, she said at the time: “Mum, I am still alive, but this is my condition now,” her face covered in volcanic ash. “Please help me.”

People who knew her and likely prayed for her recovery recalled her humor and expressions of hope during her difficult time in the hospital.

Yet eventually, with 45 percent of her body burned, she died from respiratory infections, her family announced.

“I was devastated when I heard the news from Ife’s father,” said Rani Radelani, Ife’s aunt.

Mount Marapi, located in the Agan Regency and Tanah Datar Regency areas in West Sumatra province, has been active since a January eruption that caused no casualties. It is among more than 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia.

Dozens of climbers were near the danger zone when the initial eruption spewed thick ash columns as high as 9,800 feet (3,000 meters).

Rescuers say they saved more than 50 climbers. But for two dozen others, it was their last climb. They included Ife, for whom life had just begun.

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