Central Java Governor Deploys Disaster Response Team For Handling Mount Merapi Eruption

A number of vehicles crossed the road which was filled with volcanic ash due to the eruption of Mount Merapi in Magelang, (photo: dock. intermediate)

JAKARTA - The Central Java Provincial Government has deployed a disaster response team to help deal with the impact of the eruption of Mount Merapi in several parts of its area. "As of this afternoon, we have deployed to go to three sub-districts as well as assessments in each location and bring aid to masks, because this is the first needed," said Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo after accompanying President Joko Widodo at the Adi Soemarmo Air Force Base, Boyolali Regency, Saturday, March 11. Mount Merapi eruption caused ash rain in several parts of the Central Java Province, including Magelang, Temanggung, and Boyolali. In Magelang Regency, Merapi's eruption affected the Dukun, Sawangan District, and Srumbung District. Central Java Governor has received reports of areas affected by ash rain due to Merapi eruption. He instructed the disaster response team to monitor the impact of Merapi eruption and help residents in affected areas. If the situation increases, he asked regional heads to lead the impact of the eruption, including the evacuation, evacuation and evacuation of shelter, and distribution of aid for affected residents.

"Hopefully the community, including friends in village heads, volunteers, at BPBD, SAR, and all those there can immediately go down to help. There are actually evacuation sites, just prepare them, because actually the people there are relatively trained," he said, quoted by Antara. The governor appealed to residents in affected areas to carry out independent evacuations if the impact of the Merapi eruption got worse. "People there understand very well, so immediately evacuate themselves according to the existing SOP. Use masks, bring valuables (such as) that have been trained to them. Immediately evacuate yourself, follow all orders from the command in the field," he said. Mount Merapi experienced an eruption and launched hot clouds of avalanches towards Bebengdan Krasak River on Saturday afternoon. Merapi eruption caused ash rain in the area of Magelang Regency and City, Temanggung Regency, and Boyolali Regency.