Mount Semeru in East Java Erupts

TheIndonesia.id - Mount Semeru in East Java erupts, spewing lava and volcanic ash. Forty-eight residents of Lumajang Regency, East Java, Indonesia, suffered burns from the eruption that happened on Saturday, December 4, 2021.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) predicts that volcanic ash will tend to move from west to southwest for the next six hours. As reported by the Juanda Surabaya Meteorological Station, it is concluded from the wind direction and speed from the surface (5,000 feet), at an altitude of 10 thousand feet, 14 thousand feet.

Meanwhile, according to the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, there were two incandescent lava avalanches with a sliding distance of approximately 500 meters to 800 meters. The center of the avalanche is located approximately 500 meters below the crater.

Dozens of residents were rushed to health centers and hospitals in Lumajang Regency. "The temporary data recorded that there were 48 residents who suffered burns, but the data is still temporary because officers are still evacuating residents," Head of the Lumajang Regency Health Office, Dr. Bayu Wibowo, said as quoted by Antara news agency.

Residents who suffered burns from mild to severe were immediately referred to several health centers and hospitals in Lumajang Regency. "They are referred to several hospitals, namely Bhayangkara Hospital, Dr. Hariyotom Hospital, and Pasirian Hospital; while mild and moderate cases can be treated at the community health center," he said.

Lumajang Regent Thoriqul Haq ensured that all health centers and nearby hospitals were on standby after the Mount Semeru eruption to anticipate victims affected by hot clouds. "We ensure that all health centers and nearby hospitals are on standby. I make sure that the elderly, children, and pregnant women evacuate first. I hope the community will immediately evacuate to a safer place," he said.

Based on reports from volunteers in the field, several people suffered burns due to exposure to hot dust. Joint forces from the military, police, disaster agency, and volunteers evacuate residents. The evacuation points are on the Candipuro and Pronojiwo District Offices and the village office.

"We are looking for safe locations to evacuate the closest residents," Haq said.

Based on data from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Mount Semeru experienced a spike of volcanic activity by launching hot cloud avalanches towards Besuk Kobokan, Pronojiwo District, Lumajang Regency.

There is a report about cold lava coming out from Mount Semeru. The Gladak Perak Bridge in the Lumajang Regency area broke due to the brunt of the cold lava at approximately 15.20 local time. The flow of traffic on Jalan Raya Lumajang to Malang Regency has been diverted to Probolinggo.