BNPB Deputy for Systems and Strategy Raditya Jati said here on Friday that current emergency measures focus on clearing ash and mud that are blocking access and disrupting residents’ activities.
Meeting basic needs and providing services for evacuees also remain government priorities.
BNPB is providing logistical management and equipment to accelerate field operations.
The assistance includes the shipment of food supplies, evacuation gear, and tools to support area clean-up.
Jati confirmed that the Lumajang-Malang route via Gladak Perak has reopened after joint teams completed volcanic ash removal.
“The reopening of this access is important to ease congestion that occurred due to the road closure following the eruption,” he noted.
According to the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Mount Semeru erupted on Wednesday (November 19) at 4 p.m. local time, producing an ash column that rose about 2,000 meters above the summit.
The eruption generated hot clouds that traveled up to seven kilometers from the peak, with dense gray ash blowing toward the north and northwest.
Seismogram readings from the Lumajang volcano monitoring post recorded a maximum amplitude of 40 millimeters and a duration of around 16 minutes and 40 seconds.
While eruptive activity ended at 6:11 p.m. local time, local authorities and the Geological Agency have maintained Level IV, or “Warning,” to anticipate potential follow-up volcanic activity.
The warning status also serves as the basis for the Lumajang district government’s declaration of an active disaster emergency, valid until November 26.
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Translator: Prasetyo, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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