Death Toll from Mount Semeru's Eruption Reaches 13 as of Sunday Morning

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The death toll from the eruption of Mount Semeru in Lumajang District, East Java, rose to 13 as of 09:20 a.m. on Sunday, according to Head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Lt,. Gen. Suharyanto.

The eruption also left tens of people injured and they have been receiving medical treatment , the BNPB said in a press statement released on Sunday.

According to the BNPB, 41 people were referred to Haryoto Regional General Hospital and Bhayangkara Police Hospital after receiving first aid care at the Penanggal public health service post.

Meanwhile, 40 people are being treated at Pasiran public health service post, seven people at Candipuroi public service post and 10 people at Penanggal public service post.

By Sunday morning, the Lumajang District Disaster Mitigation Office (BPBD) and the joint team of rescue workers still continued to evacuate residents affected by the Mount Semeru’s eruption and search for people reported missing in the disaster.

The residents who were trapped in the mining office overnight have been evacuated and taken to Curah Kobokan command post for further treatment.

According to the BPBD, the eruption of Mount Semeru has forced 902 residents to take refuge. Of the total, 305 are taking refuge at several school buildings and village head’s offices in Pronojiwo, 409 at village head’s offices in Candipuro Sub-district, and 188 at Pasirian Sub-district head’s office.

Mount Semeru erupted and spewed volcanic ash on Saturday afternoon.

According to the observation, the volcano stopped spewing hot clouds when rains fell in its crater.

After all, the BPBD called on local residents to not carry out activities near Mujur river basin area in Curah Kobokan and other rivers whose upper reach is found in Mount Semeru.

Read: Mount Semeru Eruption: BNPB Evacuates Residents, Sends Aid to Victims

ANTARA