Cannot Relax, Vice President Asks Social Minister Risma, Khofifah Until BNPB Quickly Overcome Impact Of Semetu Eruption

BALI - Vice President, Ma'ruf Amin, asked all relevant ranks, both from central agencies and the East Java Provincial Government, to work quickly to overcome the impact of the eruption of Mount Semeru on the surrounding community.

"First, I ask the Minister of Social Affairs to immediately conduct searches, to assist", said the Vice President, in Bali, Sunday, December 5.

Furthermore, the Vice President asked the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to immediately take countermeasures, including searching for missing victims and preparing refugee camps.

"To BNPB, to take steps including evacuation, including search", said the Vice President as well.

In addition, to all levels of the East Java Provincial Government, the Vice President asked Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa and related reagents and mayors to support disaster management in surrounding communities.

"The Governor, together with the mayor and regent, as well as the Forkopimda of East Java, to jointly tackle this and so that assistance will also be immediate", said Ma'ruf as quoted by Antara.

The ranks of the Ministry of Health were also asked to prepare health care and treatment for victims and the surrounding community.

"So that it continues to be carried out as soon as possible and the missing victims, such as houses or other victims, are immediately handled", said the Vice President.

Mount Semeru, the highest mountain on the island of Java, has erupted with lava and roars since Friday, December 3.

The head of BNPB, Lt. Gen. Suharyanto, in Jakarta, Sunday, said that until Sunday at 09.20 WIB, the eruption of Mount Semeru had killed 13 people.

The eruption of Mahameru Peak also resulted in dozens of people being injured and having to undergo treatment at several health facilities.

According to BNPB data, 41 injured people received initial treatment at the Penanggal Health Center and were then referred to the Haryoto Hospital and Bhayangkara Hospital.

The Lumajang Regency BPBD and joint teams are still evacuating affected residents and looking for people missing due to the eruption of Mount Semeru.