Semeru eruption: victims in vulnerable zones evacuated to safer locations

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy visits the victims of the Mount Semeru eruption in Pasirian Hospital, Lumajang District, East Java, on Sunday, (December 5, 2021). (ANTARA/HO-Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture/KT).

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Government has evacuated the victims of the Mount Semeru eruption in two villages of Lumajang District, East Java, that are vulnerable to experiencing another eruption.

"Some shelters, such as Curah Kobokan and Sumberwuluh, are prone to another eruption," Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy remarked in a press release here on Monday.

Effendy noted that the residents, who had evacuated in those two villages, would be transported to a refuge in Penanggal Village.

"The shelters in those two villages (Curah Kobokan and Sumberwuluh) are red zones. We are concerned that there would be another eruption, and in case there is heavy rain, the lava lodged above will flow down," he explained.

Effendy noted that the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) had requested the Disaster Emergency Mitigation Task Force, whose members comprise commander of the sub-regional military, district head, and sub-regional police head, to facilitate the efforts and bolster coordination for mitigating disasters, rehabilitation, and post-disaster reconstruction.

The coordinating minister spoke of the government having built several posts for disaster emergency mitigation to support volunteers and humanitarian institutions in handling the impact of the Mount Semeru eruption.

"All of them have taken action. Insya Allah (God willing), the activities will proceed smoothly," Effendy remarked.

Earlier, on Sunday, Dec 5, Effendy and other government officials had reviewed the shelters in Penanggal Village, Pasirian Hospital, and Dr. Hartoyo Hospital to check the mitigation efforts to handle the impact of the Mount Semeru eruption in Lumajang District.

Burning clouds, volcanic ash rains, and lava floods have caused extensive damage in the sub-districts of Candipuro, Pronojiwo, and Pasirian.

According to BNPB's data, the disaster claimed 14 lives, inflicted injuries to 69 people, and forced 5,205 to evacuate. (*)