Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has urged people residing in several hamlets around the Mount Semeru area, Lumajang District, East Java, to be vigilant of the volcano eruption.

"The appeal follows information from the Regional Disaster Mitigation Office (BPBD) of Lumajang District on hot clouds of avalanches occurring on Tuesday (Dec 1) at 1:23 a.m. WIB (Western Indonesian Standard Time)," BNPB spokesman Raditya Jati noted in a press release here on Wednesday.

The hamlets that may be affected by the eruption of Mountain Semeru comprise Curah Koboan in Supiturang Village, Rowobaung in Oro-Oro Ombo Village in Pronojiwo Sub-district, as well as Kajar Kuning in Sumberwuluh Village, Candipuro Sub-district.

The Lumajang authorities have prepared several places for emergency shelters for evacuees in Kamar Kajang Hamlet and in Supiturang Village.

"The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) and the Lumajang Social Service have also prepared a public kitchen and clean water supply," he revealed.

Related news: Residents start seeking refuge to avoid Mt Semeru's lava flows

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) has urged local villagers to not conduct activities within a radius of one kilometer from the crater of Mount Semeru.

Moreover, residents are urged to not indulge in activities in an area as far as four kilometers on the south-southeast slope sector, which is the area of the active crater of Mount Semeru where hot clouds glide.

"Residents are advised to be aware of the situation at the Jonggring Saloka crater. The BNPB continues to monitor emergency handling and conditions of the volcanic activity in coordination with the local BPBD," he added. (INE)

Related news: 550 residents seek refuge to safeguard from Mt Semeru's eruption

Translator: Dewanto S, Fardah
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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