The death toll from the eruption of Indonesia’s Mount Semeru rose to 13 as on Sunday morning local time, according to the disaster officials.
“Based on direct information at 09.20 from the Head of BNPB, Lt. Gen. Suharyanto, S.Sos, M.M, who is currently on his way to Lumajang, a total of 13 people were reported to have died as a result of the incident,” National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said in a statement.
“Two bodies have been identified, while others are still in the process,” according to the BNPB’s spokesman Abdul Muhari.
The eruption also left tens of people injured and they have been receiving medical treatment, the BNPB said in a press statement released on Sunday.
According to the BNPB, 41 people were referred to Haryoto Regional General Hospital and Bhayangkara Police Hospital after receiving first aid care at the Penanggal public health service post.
Meanwhile, 40 people are being treated at Pasiran public health service post, seven people at Candipuroi public service post and 10 people at Penanggal public service post.
According to the BNPB, the Pasirian Hospital has accommodated at least 16 patients who were burnt as a result of being affected by the hot clouds falling from Mount Semeru. A total of 6 people suffered burns up to 80 percent.
By Sunday morning, the Lumajang District Disaster Mitigation Office (BPBD) and the joint team of rescue workers still continued to evacuate residents affected by Mount Semeru’s eruption and search for people reported missing in the disaster.
The residents who were trapped in the mining office overnight have been evacuated and taken to Curah Kobokan command post for further treatment.
According to the BPBD, the eruption of Mount Semeru has forced 902 residents to take refuge. Of the total, 305 are taking refuge at several school buildings and village head’s offices in Pronojiwo, 409 at village head’s offices in Candipuro Sub-district, and 188 at Pasirian Sub-district head’s office.
Mount Semeru erupted and spewed volcanic ash on Saturday afternoon.
The volcano stopped spewing hot clouds when rains fell in its crater, the BPPD said referring to their observation.
The BPBD called on local residents to not carry out activities near Mujur river basin area in Curah Kobokan and other rivers whose upper reach is found in Mount Semeru.
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