Semeru Cold Lava Flood Hits A Number Of Bridges In Lumajang

Officers monitor the flow of cold lava from Mount Semeru whose discharge has increased in Lumajang, Friday (7/7/2023). (ANTARA/HO-BPBD Lumajang)

The cold lava flood of Mount Semeru hit a number of bridges that caused severe damage in Lumajang Regency, East Java.

The suspension bridge of Kali Regoyo and the connecting bridge between Lumajang Regency and Malang reportedly broke down by the lava flow of Mount Semeru.

"On the Regoyo Gondoruso River bridge, it was observed that the water discharge had increased so large that it overflowed on the bridge," said Pasirian Police Chief Agus Sugiharto as reported by ANTARA, Friday, July 7.

His party also prohibits people from crossing because of the potential for material to mix in the cold lava of Mount Semeru.

"We prohibit 2-wheeled vehicles and 4-wheelers from crossing, the situation is still raining moderate intensity," he said.

A number of amateur videos recorded cold lava moments hitting a number of bridges that went viral on social media and chain messages on a number of whatsapp residents in Lumajang.

In addition to the cold lava flood of Mount Semeru, Lumajang Regency was also hit by landslides at a number of points.

From the observation of the Lumajang Regency BPBD, the worst landslide occurred on the Zero Piket route, precisely at KM 58, Sumberwuluh Village, Candipuro District.

The Landslides caused the traffic flow of Lumajang - Malang through the southern route to be temporarily closed until the evacuation process was completed.

The Kobokan Bulk route has not been passed because the cold lava flood of Mount Semeru is still quite heavy.

"Longsor terjadi di sekitaran Jembatan Perak, tepatnya KM 58. Roda dua dan empat belum bisa melewati," kata Tim Pusdalops BPBD Kabupaten Lumajang Nur Cahyo.

The TRC team from the Lumajang Regency BPBD assisted by the Transportation Agency, Satpol PP, TNI-Polri and a number of volunteers are currently handling it.

"Until now it is still a landslide, the condition of the soil is still unstable, we are still waiting for possible conditions," he said.

Meanwhile, landslides also occurred in Sumberurip Village, Pronojiwo District, Lumajang Regency, causing three victims to die.

A family was buried by a landslide and officers had succeeded in evacuating the bodies of the three victims.