Lumajang Regent Asks Residents In The Semeru Red Zone To Immediately Evacuate

Lumajang Regent Indah Amperawati asked residents in the red zone of the eruption of Mount Semeru to immediately evacuate to a place that has been determined by the local government for mutual safety.

"The safety of citizens is our top priority. Evacuation is carried out so that every family is protected, and the process has been safely and orderly designed," said the Regent as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, November 19.

According to him, the status of Mount Semeru is currently at Level IV (Awas) since Wednesday at 17.00 WIB, so the appeal to evacuate immediately is specifically for residents in the red zone, namely in Sumberwuluh Village, Jugosari, Candipuro District, and Pronojiwo District.

BPBD Lumajang has prepared a feasible evacuation location, as well as coordinating with village officials and volunteers to facilitate the mobilization of residents. Each family is advised to bring simple important equipment, such as masks, drinking water, medicines, and important documents.

"This step is a preventive measure, not a sign of panic. With the right preparedness, we are facing this situation calmly. The government and the community are always ready to support and maintain the safety of citizens," he said.

He said monitoring of citizen mobility is a crucial step to ensure that no community remains active in areas with potential hazards or red zones, so that joint BPBD officers, TNI, Polri, volunteers, and village officials have been placed at strategic points as part of surveillance and security operations.

"We want to make sure all residents comply with the evacuation protocol. There should be no activity in the red zone because safety is the main thing," he said.

The Lumajang Regency Government also appealed to residents who still survive in areas prone to the Semeru eruption to immediately move to safe locations that have been prepared because assistance is carried out persuasively, with an emphasis on the importance of compliance with officers' directives in order to avoid risks when Semeru's condition is still fluctuating.

"I emphasize that citizen discipline is the key in minimizing the potential for casualties, so cooperation between the community and the government is needed," he said.

Monitoring in the field a number of village halls became temporary evacuation posts such as the Penanggal Village Hall, Sumberwuluh Village Hall and Oro-oro Ombo Village Hall.

With strict control and coordination of all elements, the Lumajang Regency Government ensures that every step of handling is directed to maintain the safety and order of citizens during the period of vigilance.