In addition to monitoring latest developments on the northern side of the destroyed Gladak Perak bridge, optimal emergency response service also became a top priority.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Head Suharyanto will ensure the readiness of emergency response service as a requisite handling measure for Mount Semeru's hot clouds in Pronojiwo, Lumajang, East Java.

"In addition to monitoring latest developments on the northern side of the destroyed Gladak Perak bridge, optimal emergency response service also became a top priority," BNPB's official, Abdul Muhari, noted in his statement here on Wednesday.

The Gladak Perak bridge, connecting Lumajang and Malang, was broken due to the hot clouds from Mount Semeru, he noted.

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This condition hinders the activities of residents from and to the two cities, especially in the districts of Pronojiwo and Candipuro.

In addition, the logistics and handling of refugees, thus far, was proceeding well, especially in Candipuro.

"Then, for today's visit, BNPB's head also wants to ensure that services for affected people in Pronojiwo proceeds optimally," Muhari affirmed.

This aims to ensure that the mandate delivered by President Joko Widodo during his visit to Lumajang several days go would be conducted in a measured manner, he stated.

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According to early data from BNPB's Control and Operation Center (Pusdalops) as of Tuesday, Mount Semeru's hot clouds claimed 48 lives, severely injured 18 people, and caused minor injuries to nine people.

Meanwhile, a total of 1,056 people evacuated to four locations in Pronojiwo.

Earlier, the Social Affairs Ministry had confirmed that the process was underway to collect data of children that lost their parents to the Semeru eruption and got orphaned to ensure precise distribution of social benefits.

Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini confirmed that families opting to take orphans under their care will receive social benefits, especially those that lost their breadwinners.


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Translator: Devi Ramadhan, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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