100 People Trapped in Kelud Eruption

Malang, E Java (Antara) - At least 100 people in Ngramban Hamlet, Baturejo Village, Malang, East Java, are still trapped in the area and have not been evacuated. Baturejo Youth Club member Patricia Aris Senjayani said there were still about 100 people in the area who have not been evacuated. Baturejo Village is located some 7 kilometres from the summit of Mount Kelud. "[Obstacles on] access roads and steep terrain make it difficult to reach Baturejo Village. Earlier this morning, a truck tried to reach the hamlet but shortly returned empty handed," Senjayani stated at a refugee camp in Batu City. Besides the 100 people who have still not been evacuated, hundreds of livestock also remain in the area. "But we must save the human victims first," she stressed. Further, Senjayani noted, based on the reports of other Baturejo Youth members, the temperature in the region has gotten hotter. "We expect our officers to evacuate the area immediately so they can be saved," Senjayani remarked. Meanwhile, many evacuees from various districts are continuing to arrive after being evacuated in trucks. Batu City Deputy Mayor Punjul Santoso said the municipality is ready to accommodate the refugees from Mount Kelud's eruption. Santoso pointed out that public facilities such as clean water have been prepared for the influx at various points in the city. Logistical assistance, particularly the delivery of food, is also being prepared, and the surrounding residents will assist with the process in a show of solidarity. "Food, today---Inshallah, God Willing---will not be a problem for both public and private institutions and individuals," Santoso stressed. (*) (H-YH/INE/Bustanuddin)