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View all search resultsVolcanic activity to continue for ‘foreseeable future’
ount Semeru continued spewing ash and other volcanic materials on Monday as authorities said areas near the volcano should remain clear of any activities due to concerns that more eruptions could occur in the near-term.
The tallest mountain in Java erupted on Saturday, spewing a large cloud of ash and rocks into the sky, blanketing the surrounding area in ash and mud and displacing thousands of people from their homes.
At least six eruptions were recorded on Monday, according to the Vulcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center’s (PVMBG) observations.
PVMBG head Andiani said in a press conference on Monday that it was possible that the recent uptick in Semeru’s volcanic activities, particularly in pyroclastic flows, could continue for the foreseeable future.
“There is potential for [future] pyroclastic flows [from Mt. Semeru],” said Andiani, adding that the PVMBG would continue to monitor the latest situation at the volcano and immediately issue public warnings when necessary.
In addition, Andiani said that high rainfall in the area, which was expected to last for one or two months, could increase the risk of lahar surging from Semeru’s slopes given the high volume of volcanic materials near the peak of the mountain. Lahar is a type of mudflow typically composed of a slurry of pyroclastic materials, rocky debris and water flowing down from a volcano, usually along a river valley.
In anticipation of future pyroclastic flows and mudflows, the public has been advised to remain 1 kilometer away from Semeru’s crater in general and 5 km away from south-southwest of the crater.
She also cautioned that certain areas that were previously affected by pyroclastic flows and mudflows should be off-limits, even for search and rescue efforts, considering the possibility of further volcanic activity in the short-term.
“Since the pyroclastic flows are still occurring, it would be better to avoid [attempting search-and-rescue operations] in the area. We are continuing to monitor the [volcanic] activity, in order to determine whether it is increasing or decreasing,” said Andiani.
Andiani added that Semeru’s alert level remained unchanged since it was raised to waspada (advisory), the third-highest level in the four-tiered alert system, in May 2012.
Weather hampers search and rescue operations
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported on Monday that at least 22 fatalities were recorded in the disaster. Fourteen of the victims were residents of Pronojiwo district in Lumajang regency, East Java, while eight fatalities were recorded in the Candipuro district, also in Lumajang regency.
More than 2,000 people were evacuated, while 27 people are still missing. The evacuees are currently sheltering in 19 evacuation sites spread across Candipuro, Pronojiwo and Pasirian districts.
The National Search and Rescue Agency’s (Basarnas) director of search and rescue operations Brig. Gen. Wurjanto said the search and rescue efforts had been hampered by the weather.
“For now, the main issue [for the search and rescue efforts] is the weather as we have received reports of rain, which could endanger the rescuers. Hopefully there will be good weather going forward so that it will help us in the search,” said Wurjanto on Monday.
In response to the disaster, Lumajang Regent Thoriqul Haq has declared a 30-day emergency-response status until Jan. 3, 2022.
Aid logistics and health facilities
The government has acted swiftly to mobilize aid relief to the affected areas. The Social Affairs Ministry has delivered essential supplies such as tents, beds and food. The ministry’s assistance includes food for at least 800 children, 295 tents, 450 beds and 125 mattresses.
The BPNB has also mobilized relief aid worth Rp 1.1 billion (US$ 76,171), including more than 1,300 packets of ready-to-eat meals, 2,000 blankets, 900 mattresses and two emergency tents.
On Monday, the BPNB distributed family kits, masks, packages of instant food and blankets to affected people in regional hospitals in Pasirian.
The Health Ministry has put two community health centers (Puskesmas) in Lumajang regency and five other Puskesmas in Malang regency on standby to provide care for the people affected by the disaster.
Meanwhile, regional hospitals in Pasiran and Lumajang were also appointed as referral hospitals.
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