Lumajang, East Java (ANTARA) - East Java's disaster agency has deployed personnel and delivered logistics to support evacuees after Mount Semeru erupted and affected several areas in Lumajang District on Wednesday.
The eruption produced a 13-kilometer pyroclastic flow, prompting the Geological Agency to raise the volcano's status to Level IV, the highest alert, along the Lumajang–Malang border.
"We immediately deployed personnel to the site to assist with handling pyroclastic flows in coordination with BPBD, local government units, and the military-police," BPBD East Java head Gatot Soebroto said on Thursday.
The agency also distributed logistics for residents at multiple evacuation sites.
East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa urged residents living near Mount Semeru to move to designated shelters without delay.
"The safety of the community is our top priority. With Semeru's status elevated to Level IV, we urge all residents to obey restrictions in the danger zone and evacuate immediately if instructed by field officers," she said.
BPBD supplied respirator masks, safety goggles, medical and KN95 masks, gloves, blankets, fire-resistant shoes, supplementary nutrition, ready-to-eat meals, chainsaws, and communication equipment.
Lumajang District head Indah Amperawati asked residents to remain alert despite the volcano's activity being relatively stable.
"Semeru is relatively safe now, but vigilance remains the priority. All local government units, BPBD, and field officers continue monitoring conditions to ensure residents' safety," she said during an inspection at the Pronojiwo Subdistrict Disaster Response Post.
