Continues To Increase, Refugees Due To The Eruption Of Mount Semeru Become 3,697 People

Conditions of damage in the Kobokan Bulk watershed due to hot clouds from Mount Semeru in Lumajang Regency, East Java (BNPB Public Relations)

JAKARTA - The number of residents who fled after the eruption of Mount Semeru continues to increase. On Monday, December 6 at 20.15 WIB, the number of refugees was 2,004 people. On this day as of 12.00 WIB, the number of refugees increased to 3,697 people.

"Most of these displaced residents are in the Lumajang Regency area, while in Malang Regency there are only 24 people," said Plt. Head of BNPB Disaster Data and Communication Center Abdul Muhari in his statement, Tuesday, December 7.

The distribution of evacuation points is in Lumajang District, Pronojiwo District with 9 points totaling 382 people, Candipuro District 6 points 1,136 people, Pasirian District 4 points 563 people, Lumajang District 188 people, Tempeh District 290 people, Sumberseko District 67 people, Sukodono District 45 souls.

On the fourth day of emergency handling after the hot cloud fell from Semeru, 56 people were injured, 17 people were missing and 34 people died, while the total affected population was 5,205 people.

"Regarding the number of residents who are declared missing and injured, the command post is still updating the data and validating it," said Abdul Muhari.

In addition, the eruption affected 2,970 housing units. Until now, the local government is still updating the number of affected houses and the level of damage. Other affected buildings in the form of 38 educational facilities and the Gladak Perak bridge were cut off.

So far, Mount Semeru has been observed to experience 2 earthquake eruptions and the duration of the earthquake is 55 to 125 seconds. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) informed that there were 7 avalanches of earthquakes with a duration of 50 to 120 seconds.

Lumajang Regent Thoriqul Haq has declared an emergency response status for the impact of hot clouds and avalanches from Mount Semeru for 30 days. This is in response to the catastrophic eruption on Mount Semeru that has occurred since last Saturday, December 4.