PMI Hagglund BV206 Tactical Vehicle Deployed To Evacuate Semeru Eruption Victims In Kobokan Hamlet

The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) relies on the Hagglund BV206 tactical vehicle/FOTO VIA ANTARA

LUMAJANG - The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) relied on the Hagglund BV206 tactical vehicle (Rantis) to assist the SAR team in evacuating and searching for victims of the hot cloud disaster from Mount Semeru that had not been found in very rough terrain.

"Two Hagglund tactical vehicles were deployed to the Kobokan Curah Hamlet, Supiturang Village, when the terrain was impassable by ordinary cars, with Hagglund being able to go there", said PMI Field Command Coordinator, Andris Rufianto, in Lumajang, quoted by Antara, Friday, December 10.

According to him, two PMI Rantis were deployed to the Kobokan Curah Hamlet on Monday, December 6 because the hamlet was the worst affected area by the hot clouds from Mount Semeru.

"The Hagglund is divided into two different locations to support the joint SAR team who is currently searching for victims of the hot clouds falling from Mount Semeru", he said.

By using the Hagglund BV206, several joint teams found it easy to evacuate residents affected by the Semeru eruption, because vehicles using chain wheels were able to go through several rough terrains, even in hot temperatures.

"PMI always coordinates with the SAR team, if they find a victim in an extreme place, Hagglund will go up and take the victim and then be transferred to an ambulance", he said.

In addition to the two Hagglunds who were deployed to the location of the search for disaster victims, PMI also prepared rescue vehicles and ambulances with 3 officers each.

He explained that PMI also supplied the community's need for clean water and 4 clean water tanker trucks were distributed to residents in Penanggal Village and Sumberwuluh Village, Candipuro District.

"The need for clean water will be adjusted and there will be no restrictions. If disaster victims need it, we will distribute it immediately", he said.

To facilitate the distribution of clean water, PMI has prepared 100 units of water reservoirs which were distributed to several points, including refugee areas and disaster volunteer posts in Lumajang Regency.