The residents have taken refuge at different locations. This morning, we will gather them at one spot, so that we can handle them easily.
Lumajang, E Java (ANTARA) - Residents on the slope of Mount Semeru in Lumajang District, East Java, have begun taking refuge to steer clear from the incandescent lava flows emanating from its crater.

Lumajang District Head Thoriqul Haq and his entourage visited the refugee camp on Tuesday to observe the condition of evacuees.

Some evacuees are taking refuge at the Mount Semeru Observatory Post, Chief of Prevention, Alertness, and Logistics of the Lumajang District Disaster Mitigation Board (BPBD) Wawan Hadi Siswoyo stated.

"The residents have taken refuge at different locations. This morning, we will gather them at one spot, so that we can handle them easily," he revealed.

The BPBD will soon establish a refugee command post and public kitchen in the Kamar Kajang Hamlet to accommodate residents affected by the lava flows arising from Mount Semeru, he stated.

"We are still conducting an on-field assessment to decide their exact number. The residents' safety is our main priority," he noted.

Siswoyo noted that the incandescent lava flowed from the Jonggiring Saloko crater for up to three thousand meters in the direction of Besuk Kobokan for which he urged residents to adhere to BPBD's directives while taking refuge.

Mount Semeru, straddling the districts of Malang and Lumajang, East Java, has experienced tremors and spewed hot clouds several times in the past few days, according to the Mount Semeru Geological Board's official website.

The alert level for the volcano is currently set at under level II.

Residents are advised to not conduct activities within a one-kilometer radius from the crater and a four-kilometer radius from the crater’s opening in the southeast of the volcano.

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Translator: Zumrotun Solichah/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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