Semeru Lava Rain Kills Three People and Damages Bridge

Three people died and a number of bridges were broken due to the impact of Mount Semeru's lava flood last night.

DOKUMENTASI TAGANA

The damaged condition of Kloposawit Bridge eroded by Semeru's volcanic mudflow on Friday (19/4/2024). The Semeru's volcanic mudflow caused three casualties and damaged several infrastructures such as the bridge and irrigation channels there.

MALANG, KOMPAS – Three people died as a result of the flood lava rain Mount Semeru on Thursday (18/4/2024) evening. The Lumajang Regency Government, East Java, has implemented an emergency response period for the impact of the hydrometeorological disaster Mount Semeru rain lava from April 19 2024 to May 2 2024.

The three deceased individuals are Ernawati (47), a resident of Sriti Hamlet, Sumberurip Village, Pronojiwo District, who was buried in a landslide; as well as a married couple, Bambang (50) and Ngatini (47), residents of Kloposawit Village, Candipuro District, who were swept away by Semeru's rain lava.

Apart from the fatalities, the rain-induced lava flow from Mount Semeru also caused damage to several bridges and irrigation channels in the village.

Also read:Semeru Eruption and Life Balance

"In the occurrence of the Semeru Mountain rain lahar disaster, the safety of residents is our top priority. Especially those living near the riverbanks and embankments, we have evacuated them to a safe place. We are currently conducting data collection for the damaged infrastructure, and our priority for repairs is focused on bridges that connect villages, districts, or other counties," said Lumajang Acting Regent Indah Wahyuni on Friday (April 19, 2024).

The Disaster Preparedness Youth Organization (Tagana) of Lumajang Regency noted several damaged bridges. These damaged bridges include the Kloposawit Bridge in Kloposawit Village, Candipuro District (the bridge is cracked and eroded), as well as the Ringin Putih Bridge in Nguter Village, Pasirian District (the bridge is intact while the road there is disconnected).

The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Lumajang Regency noted that the impact of Semeru's rainfall-triggered lahar flood has been felt by residents in 9 districts, 15 villages, and 4 urban villages in Lumajang. The nine districts are Lumajang, Pronojiwo, Candipuro, Pasirian, Sukodono, Sumbersuko, Pasrujambe, Padang, and Tempeh.

In addition, the connecting bridge between Joho Hamlet and Tergir Hamlet in Pasirian Village, Pasirian District (collapsed), the Regoyo River bridge in Gondoruso Village, Pasirian District (broken), the Sumberlangsep bridge in Jugosari Village, Candipuro District (severed), and others.

"At the moment, Tagana has prepared at Njarit Village Hall, Candipuro District, anticipating the presence of refugees like last night. But residents who previously evacuated last night have now returned to their respective homes," said Tagana member of the Data and Information Division, Rudi Mochammad Kholiq.

Also read: Semeru Offerings and Different Human Meanings

KOMPAS/BAHANA PATRIA GUPTA

Journalists witnessed volcanic ash flows in the Besuksat River, which has its source in Mount Semeru in Pasrujambe District, Lumajang Regency, East Java, on Sunday (17/1/2021). Mount Semeru on Saturday (16/1/2021) erupted volcanic material as far as 4.5 km from the peak. Residents living around the river flow from Mount Semeru are warned to be vigilant against potential volcanic ash flood due to high rainfall.

The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Lumajang Regency noted that the impacts of the Semeru rain lava flood were felt by residents in 9 districts, 15 villages, and 4 urban villages in Lumajang. The nine districts are Lumajang, Pronojiwo, Candipuro, Pasirian, Sukodono, Sumbersuko, Pasrujambe, Padang, and Tempeh.

"There were 9 districts, 15 villages, and 4 urban villages affected by the flood of Semeru's volcanic mudflow last night. The impact is vast as the flow passed through the Regolo, Glidik, and Mujur watersheds, reaching the city. The effect of last night's flood destroyed the connecting infrastructure between villages, cities, and irrigation channels, causing it to overflow into the city," said the Head of the Lumajang District Disaster Management Agency, Patria.

Currently, according to Patria, the Lumajang Regional Government is making efforts to handle the impacts of the disaster. "The community is still advised to be vigilant about the various possibilities of hydro-meteorological disasters that may occur," he said.

According to Patria, his team is currently collecting data on the losses caused by last night's Semeru rain and lahar flooding. He stated that the data will be updated daily at 6 PM Western Indonesia Time.

Also read: Semeru Eruption, Stuttering, and God Who is 'Blamed'