The death toll from the Semeru hot cloud increases to 34 people

The number of people who died as a result of the hot clouds falling from Mount Semeru in Lumajang Regency, East Java, increased to 34 as of Tuesday afternoon.

"So far, 34 people have died and 16 are still being searched," said Head of the Operations and Alert Section of the Surabaya Basarnas I Wayan Suyatna to reporters at the Sumberwuluh Field Command Post, Candipuro District, Lumajang Regency.

According to him, there are four evacuation teams conducting search operations for victims affected by hot clouds from avalanches at several points, namely in the Kobokan Bulk, Kampung Renteng, and sand mining locations.

"The evacuation team found at most the bodies of victims in two locations, namely Dusun Curah Kobokan, Supiturang Village, and Renteng Village, Sumberwuluh Village," he said.

He explained that the bodies of the victims were mostly found buried in volcanic ash and hot clouds from avalanches, but some were found in the rubble of houses.

"So far, the weather is quite sunny in evacuating victims of Semeru's hot clouds due to the operational team's problems so far, namely weather factors such as strong winds and heavy rain, as well as Semeru activities such as hot clouds avalanches and volcanic ash," he said.

He said the activity of Mount Semeru, which still has the potential to launch hot clouds of avalanches, is also a consideration for the operation team in evacuating victims.

"We prioritize the safety of the evacuation team in searching for victims. If the weather is bad, the team will look for a safe place first before continuing to evacuate victims," ​​he said.

The bodies of the victims found by the evacuation team were then taken to the Haryoto Regional General Hospital (RSUD) and Bhayangkara Lumajang Hospital for further treatment.

Meanwhile, based on data from the Surabaya Basarnas, the number of victims who suffered serious injuries was 26 people and 82 people had minor injuries who had undergone treatment at the Puskesmas and hospitals.

President Jokowi confirms distribution of aid for victims of the Semeru eruption

President Joko Widodo directly inspected the locations affected by the eruption of Mount Semeru to ensure assistance for the refugees.

"This morning I came to the location to ensure that all the forces we have are on the ground to search for the remaining victims, then also evacuate," said the President in Lumajang district, East Java, Tuesday.

Mount Semeru, which is located in two regencies in East Java, namely Malang and Lumajang regencies, erupted on December 4, 2021 at around 15.00 WIB. The mountain emitted incandescent lava, rumbling sounds and thick gray smoke.

"And we are also looking at the plan to repair infrastructure damaged by the eruption of Mount Semeru," added the President.

President Jokowi and also inspected refugee locations to ensure that the refugees were handled properly.

"Regarding consumption, health, clean water, I think the condition is starting to improve. We hope that after it subsides, everything can start either in the form of infrastructure improvements," said the President.

According to President Jokowi, the government is open to the possibility of relocating residents from their current settlements.

"As well as the possibility of relocation from places that we think are dangerous to be re-inhabited. Earlier I received reports of approximately 2,000 houses that had to be relocated. We will immediately decide where to relocate them and we will immediately build them. ready,"

President Jokowi on behalf of the government and all the people of Indonesia also expressed his deep condolences for the victims who died as a result of the eruption of Mount Semeru.

President Jokowi briefly visited the refugee post in Sumberwuluh Village Field, Lumajang Regency, East Java.

President Jokowi met refugees, saw public kitchens, visited the Health Service Post, met with children, and handed over compensation to the heirs of the victims who died as a result of the eruption of Mount Semeru.

Accompanying the President were Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (PMK) Muhadjir Effendy, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimulyono, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Head of BNPB Lt. Gen. Suharyanto, Head of the National Search and Rescue Agency (BNPP)/Head of Basarnas Marshal Madya Henri Alfiandi, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, and Lumajang Regent Thoriqul Haq

Based on BNPB data, 15 people died as of Monday (6/12) with details of 8 people being identified in Pronojiwo District, while 7 others in Candipuro District.

While the number of residents who are still declared missing is 27 people and the number of affected residents is 5,205 people.

Meanwhile, 1,707 people who evacuated were spread over 19 points.

Temporary data mentions 2,970 affected houses, 38 directly affected educational facilities, 1 broken bridge (Gladak Perak which is located in Curah Kobokan Village, the link between Lumajang and Malang).