43 Dead, 104 Injured in Semeru Eruption as Evacuation Continues

TheIndonesia.co - Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) confirmed the death toll from Mount Semeru eruption rose to 43, as evacuation continues in the fifth day after the disaster.

Acting head of data, information, and communication center at the agency Abdul Muhari confirmed that 43 people were pronounced dead as of Thursday, December 9, at 12.00 p.m. local time.

104 people were injured in the disaster – 32 people were severely injured and the remaining 82 were moderately injured.

Muhari said rescue teams continued the evacuation in several locations, including Curah Kobokan, Kajar Kuning, Tambang Satuhan/North Kebondeli, Kampung Renteng, and South Kebondeli.

Clean-up operation and further assessment have also been done by the teams with focus in Kamar Kajang, Sumberwuluh village.

Weather continued to be the biggest challenges for all teams involved as evacuation was put to a halt due to dark clouds.

Authorities also added the number of shelters which were established in various locations.

Mount Semeru eruption, which occurred on Saturday, December 4, also damaged at least 31 public facilities and impacted thousands of livestocks.