Sightings Of The Semeru Eruption Ash Pile In Candipuro Village Lumajang To Sink The Truck

LUMAJANG - Residents packed Renteng Village in Sumberwuluh Village, Candipuro District, Lumajang Regency, East Java Province, which part of the area was buried by volcanic ash from Mount Semeru this morning.

"Starting this morning, many people came. Some looked around, some wanted to know the condition of their families", said Ponijan, a resident of Renteng Village, quoted by Antara, Sunday, December 5.

The TNI and Polri officers as well as volunteers asked residents not to approach the part of the village that was covered in ashes, but their requests were not heeded by the residents.

However, at around 06.30 WIB the residents who packed Renteng Village scattered and fled the village because the officers gave warnings about the emergence of smoke from around Mount Semeru.

In Renteng Village, Semeru's volcanic ash covered houses, factories, places of worship, and residents' vehicles. At least two trucks and motorbikes were buried in the ashes in the village.

Ash rain also caused the death of some livestock in Renteng Village.

Ponijan revealed that after the eruption of Mount Semeru on Saturday, December 4, several villagers were reported missing, suspected to be buried in ashes.

"Below there are residents' houses. The one at the end is a flour factory. Everything is buried", he said, pointing to the ash-covered buildings.

A warning to stay away from the river and save yourself if there are dangerous signs posted near the river in Kampung Renteng. Evacuation route signs also exist in the village.

Several villagers were seen returning home to collect their belongings, including clothes, mattresses, televisions, tables, and chairs.

"I came here to pick up clothes that could still be saved. Thankfully, the family is all safe", said Muchsin, a resident of Kampung Renteng who fled to a relative's house to avoid the effects of the Semeru eruption.

On Saturday afternoon, December 4, Mount Semeru spewed hot clouds and sent ash rain to the surrounding area. Residents who live in villages around the mountain as high as 3,676 meters above sea level evacuate to avoid the impact of the hot clouds falling.