Quick Action To Help Victims Of Mount Semeru Eruption, Mayor Of Surabaya Sends Aid To Lumajang

A number of BPB Linmas officers in Surabaya City are preparing logistical assistance for handling the Mount Semeru disaster. (photo: doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The natural disaster caused by the eruption of Mount Semeru, Saturday, December 4, prompted a number of regional heads in East Java to step in to help.

The Mayor of Surabaya, Eri Cahyadi, assisted in handling natural disasters by sending heavy vehicles, dozens of personnel and logistics to disaster locations in Lumajang Regency.

"As soon as he heard about the incident, the Mayor of Surabaya immediately ordered him to help as much as possible," said Head of the Surabaya Disaster Management and Community Protection Agency (BPB Linmas), Irvan Widyanto, after the preparation for the departure of aid at Surabaya City Hall, Sunday, December 5.

He explained that after the Mayor learned about the disaster information, BPB Linmas and several other agencies were asked to go to help the Lumajang Regency Government.

"The mayor often promotes collaboration and mutual assistance in solving a problem. Moreover, he is the coordinator of the regional head in East Java," Irvan said as quoted by Antara.

All personnel from the Surabaya City Government, he said, will help the Lumajang Regency Government until the Mount Semeru eruption disaster is declared complete.

"The total is 55 personnel. From BPB Linmas as many as 17 personnel, the PMK Service as many as 24 personnel, Satpol PP as many as 11 personnel, and Social Service as many as 3 personnel," he said.

Meanwhile, the heavy vehicles sent by the Surabaya City Government are two trucks, one soup kitchen truck, two water supply trucks, three fire trucks, one skywalker tool, one Bronto Skylift 44, and three pick up units.

"The most important thing is that we also bring logistical assistance to the victims of the eruption of Mount Semeru," he said.

The logistical assistance includes 60 boxes of instant noodles, 17 boxes of biscuits, and 200 blankets. Meanwhile, for now, he said, a team from the Surabaya City Government was heading to Candipuro District, Lumajang Regency, which is the location affected by the eruption of Mount Semeru.

"Developments at the Arya Wiraraja Hall, the team immediately coordinated regarding the placement of personnel, vehicle units, and equipment that will be used to assist in handling the impact of the eruption of Mount Semeru," said Irvan Widyanto.