Twin natural disasters struck two islands in Indonesia, leaving hundreds of people dead and hundreds more missing. Local authorities have started initial recovery and relief operations while aid organizations said they are on standby to provide assistance.
A tsunami pounded Sumatra and several surrounding islands in Western Indonesia following a 7.5 magnitude earthquake that hit late Monday evening (Oct. 25), news agencies report. Local officials said the death toll has passed 100 and more than 500 are missing.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s most active volcano began erupting early Tuesday (Oct. 26). At least one person has been reported dead while up to 20 people were injured due to the hot ash from the eruption, The Associated Press reports.
Aid agencies have been engaged in local efforts to help families prepare for the volcano’s eruption, which scientists warned could be Mount Merapi’s worst eruption ever. Several aid groups have also indicated they are ready to assist local authorities in the relief and recovery operations if necessary.
“Our staff are on standby to support the government and communities with this emergency and will continue to do so on disaster management related activities,” John McDonough, Plan International’s country director in Indonesia, said in a statement.
