1,300 Evacuated in Mt. Semeru's Eruption

TheIndonesia.co - Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said at least 1,300 people have to be evacuated after Mount Semeru in Lumajang, East Java, erupted on Saturday, December 4, 2021. The Agency also said the disaster also affected 5,205 people, while the total injured is still being estimated.

As reported, the eruption has also claimed the lives of 14 people from Pronojiwo and Candipuro sub-districts.

“11 people died from Pronojiwo, and three died in Candipuro,” the acting head of data, information, and communication center at BNPB Abdul Muhari explained.

Meanwhile, the Lumajang District Disaster Mitigation Office (BPBD) has also revealed that 2,970 houses were destroyed by hot clouds from the volcano.

“As of 5 p.m. [Western Indonesian Time] today, 2,970 houses and 13 public facilities, including bridges, schools, and places of worship, are damaged,” head of preparedness and logistics at BPBD Wawan Hadi Siswoyo said in Lumajang, on Sunday, December 5.

Gladak Perak bridge that connected Lumajang and Malang is reported to have been completely damaged and subsequently isolated people in Pronojiwo and Tempursari sub-districts.

“Access to residents’ location is still covered in thick and raining volcanic from Semeru,” Siswoyo said.

Evacuation effort continues with the involvement of ministries, state agencies, and other institutions. The Indonesian Red Cross, or PMI, is gearing up to send more aids and assistance to help evacuate residents affected by the eruption.

“For evacuation support, we’re ready if more [aid] is needed. Ambulances in East Java, Lumajang, and Malang [will be prepared],” PMI’s secretary-general Sudirman Said said in Jakarta on Sunday.

At least 20 ambulances are at the ready, and PMI will also send 2 Hagglund units to assist evacuation in the more difficult areas and conditions. Said added tanks of freshwater have been shipped from Gresik for evacuees.

“One of our priorities is providing clean water, and we’ve sent a number of tanks from Gresik. If more is required, we’ll start mobilization with other [offices].”