Death toll climbs to 32 in Indonesia volcano eruption

By the CNN Wire Staff

October 28, 2010 -- Updated 1214 GMT (2014 HKT)

Deadly eruptions in Indonesia

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Rescue and recovery efforts continue to unfold
• The volcano erupted at least three times Tuesday
• The traditional gatekeeper of Mount Merapi fell victim as well
• The gatekeeper, who was in his 80s, will be buried Thursday

(CNN) -- The death toll from an Indonesian volcano that exploded this week has climbed to 32, medical officials said Thursday.
Rescue and recovery efforts continue to unfold, with the Indonesian government scrambling to help tens of thousands of residents displaced by the eruption.
The volcano erupted at least three times Tuesday, forcing residents to flee.
Mount Merapi, which looms on the horizon north of the major city of Yogyakarta, is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes and lies in one of the world's most densely populated areas. The volcano has a summit elevation of nearly 10,000 feet (3,000 meters).

Video: Volcano evacuees on edge

RELATED TOPICS

• Indonesia
• Mount Merapi

Hundreds of displaced residents have crammed a small government building in Yogyakarta. Many had fled with only the clothes on their backs.

Some residents refused to flee, holding out to watch over their crops and livestock. Some residents awaited word from the traditional gatekeeper of Mount Merapi. But Maradjin, the gatekeeper, fell victim to the volcano as well.

He is to be buried Thursday. He died in his 80s, after being appointed about two decades ago by the last Sultan of Java. Maradjin's father was gatekeeper before him.

"Merapi is a house of spirits, which also means a living mountain," Maradjin told CNN in a 2006 interview. "When Merapi emits smoke, we have to be respectful."

CNN's Kathy Quiano and Stan Grant contributed to this report.

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