Semeru Launches Hot Clouds, Lumajang BPBD Deploys TRC To Affected Locations

LUMAJANG - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Lumajang, East Java, deployed a Rapid Response Team (TRC) to a number of locations affected by the slide of the hot clouds of Mount Semeru.

Mount Semeru, which is located on the border of Lumajang and Malang Regencies, East Java, experienced an eruption at 16.00 WIB with an eruption height of 2,000 meters above the peak and the eruption was accompanied by a 7 kilometer hot cloud slide.

"We are deploying TRCs to appeal to people living in areas prone to hot clouds to immediately secure themselves and evacuate independently," said Head of BPBD Lumajang Isnugroho as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, November 19.

The highest volcanic activity of the mountain on the island of Java continues to increase with hot clouds sliding more than 10 kilometers and is reported to have passed the Gladak Perak bridge, so that access to the bridge cannot be passed temporarily due to the darkness of the Semeru hot clouds.

Based on reports received by the Lumajang Regency BPBD, the intensity of hot clouds' slides continued to increase in a short time, so the public was asked to increase their awareness of the activities of Mount Semeru.

"BPBD through TRC drove there to help give an appeal to the community, temporarily evacuate to find a safe point," he said.

TRC team personnel were deployed and focused on several locations prone to Semeru hot clouds, namely Sumberwuluh Village, Kobokan Bulk, Kajang Room, and Supiturang.

"Residents are asked to remain vigilant and not be in the danger zone until the situation is completely declared safe. We urge them to secure themselves, at least until 21.00 WIB and if they feel safe please return to their respective homes," he said.

He conveyed that the conditions in the top area of Mount Semeru were still covered in fog, so visual monitoring was still limited which could be monitored by officers.

"BPBD Lumajang urges the public to continue to follow the direction of the officers and not to carry out activities around the river that originates in Semeru considering the potential for hot clouds and cold lava floods," he said.