Please, have a little patience and stay calm.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Vice President Ma'ruf Amin virtually reviewed the condition of locations and residents affected by the Mount Semeru eruption from the Juanda International Airport, Surabaya City, East Java Province, on Thursday.

Initially, Amin was scheduled to visit Penanggal Village, Candipuro Sub-district, Lumajang District, East Java Province. However, the plan was canceled, as Mount Semeru erupted again on Thursday morning.

At the airport, the vice president held a virtual dialog with several refugees, Head of Lumajang District Thoriqul Haq and Head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Lieutenant General Suharyanto.

Meanwhile, Amin was accompanied by East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa.

The vice president paid heed to the aspirations of the refugees amid the online dialogue as they sought relocation from their current residential area.

“We are looking for a safe location for the relocation. Insya Allah (if God wills), we will ensure you can live securely at the location,” he remarked.

Related news: Mount Semeru emits pyroclastic flow extending 4.5 km on Thursday

In addition, Amin apologized for not being able to visit the village directly. He also urged all residents to remain patient and stay healthy.

"I apologize that I cannot attend this dialogue in person. However, I ensure you that we are preparing for the relocation. Insya Allah, residential areas, road, and bridge will be rebuilt. Please, have a little patience and stay calm," he emphasized.

Emergency tents were set up at Penanggal Village for the refugees by the BNPB, Social Affairs Ministry, Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), Indonesian Sharia Bank (BSI), National Alms Agency (Baznas), police, and military.

On Thursday, at 9:01 a.m. Western Indonesia Standard Time (WIB), Mount Semeru emitted a pyroclastic flow that travelled a distance of 4.5 kilometers (km).

Another pyroclastic avalanche occurred at 9:30 a.m. WIB. However, its distance could not be observed due to the fog.

Related news: Gov't to offer Rp1-billion assistance to Mount Semeru eruption victims

Translator: Fransiska Ninditya, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021