Cold Lahars from Mount Merapi Claim One Life as Four Miners Vanish After Being Surfed by Current

Magelang, VIVA — A fresh cold lahar has again surged along the slopes of Mount Merapi, with heavy rain over the summit area on Tuesday afternoon, 3 March 2026, triggering a rapid flow of volcanic material down the Senowo River in Magelang Regency. As a result, one person was confirmed dead, six residents were injured, and four sand miners are still reported missing. The torrent of rock and sand struck mining activity along the riverbank, and the strong current left workers with little time to escape.

The impact was severe. Three mining trucks were carried away by the surge, while twelve other trucks were buried under sand and rock. Two excavators were damaged after being buried by the lahar. In addition, six farmers in the surrounding area were injured while trying to avoid the rushing water.

Head of the Semarang Search and Rescue Office, Budiono, confirmed that a single casualty had been found so far. The victim has been identified as Iman Setiawan (21), a resident of Karanganyar Urban Village, Tugu District, Semarang City.

“Meanwhile, the main focus of authorities at present is to locate the four miners who are still missing,” Budiono said on Wednesday, 4 March 2026.

The four miners still missing are Maryuni, Heru, and Hasyim, residents of Dukuh Krinjing, Dukun, Magelang, and Fuad, a resident of Srumbung, Magelang.

The Semarang Search and Rescue Office promptly deployed the Magelang SAR Sub-Unit along with a joint SAR team on Tuesday afternoon. Rescue efforts employ a range of equipment to maximise results.

“We have dispatched a team from the Magelang SAR Sub-Unit. The search includes using a K9 dog squad from Magelang Police to detect victims beneath the material deposits, and the use of drones to map the river flow from the air,” Budiono said.

Ground searches were also conducted along the river for up to one kilometre downstream from the incident site.

By Wednesday morning, the weather was reported to be clear, and the river flow had returned to normal. The improved conditions slightly aided field operations, though the risk of further floods remains.

Authorities urged residents, particularly sand miners along the Merapi catchment area, to stay vigilant amid possible extreme weather conditions that could still occur.