TEMPO.CO, Lumajang - The Lumajang Regency Government is preparing new locations for refugees of the Mount Semeru eruption in a bid to prevent crowds at refugee camps amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lumajang Regent Thoriqul Haq said a number of school buildings have been set up as temporary evacuation sites considering that several camps, such as the Penanggal Village Hall, are already full.

“We are preparing and ensuring that schools can be set as refugee camps,” said Thoriqul in Candipuro district on Monday, December 6.

He added that before being used as a refugee camp, the local government would monitor the classrooms. “Whether there are enough classrooms, toilets, and logistics distribution,” he said.

The government decided on this provision given the lingering COVID-19 pandemic and as an effort to maintain public discipline towards the health protocols.

He also said the government is focusing on evacuating people and their recovery process after the eruption of Mount Semeru.

“We hope that there will be follow-up actions to accelerate recovery. I will immediately coordinate with Perhutani if people are willing to relocate as their houses are destroyed, of course, after the evacuation process is complete,” said Thoriqul.

Read: Mount Semeru Death Toll Rises to 14

DAVID PRIYASIDARTA (CONTRIBUTOR)