TEMPO.CO, Lumajang - Lumajang Regent Thoriqul Haq declared a state of emergency for the next 14 days following the eruption of Mount Semeru on Sunday, December 4, 2022.

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) raised the volcano's status to alert level IV Caution (Awas). Consequently, people living in the red zone are asked to vacate their premises and take refuge at existing evacuation posts.

"As the activity status of Mount Semeru is increased to Awas, I have ordered all OPD [regional administrations] according to their duties and functions to help refugees in several places," said Thoriqul on Monday, December 5, 2022.

Thoriqul confirmed that there is still no report on casualties or losses to date. "We haven't received reports of victims. Only a few people have to be handled by the medical team. There are babies a few months old, but they have received medical treatment at the Puskesmas [community health center],” Thoriqul added.

Thoriqul also asked people at the evacuation posts not to easily believe information spread by irresponsible persons. Thoriqul acknowledged that there were circulating issues that the relocation area was not safe from the eruption of Mount Semeru.

"The relocation area is safe. The lava does not flow there. The lava does not flow to Sumbermujur, but Supiturang, Curahkobokan, Kajang Room, and Bondeli," the Lumajang Regent emphasized.

DAVID PRIYASIDHARTA

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