Indonesia’s Mount Semeru Erupts Again, Hampering Rescue Operations

SUMBERWULUH, INDONESIA — One of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes Mount Semeru spewed more ash on Monday, December 6, hampering the search for survivors as aerial images showed the extent of the devastation unleashed by the volcano’s deadly weekend eruption.

The biggest mountain on the island of Java thundered to life Saturday, ejecting a mushroom of volcanic ash high into the sky and raining hot mud as thousands of panicked people fled their homes.

The death toll rose to 22, while 27 people are still missing, according to National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari on Monday. A total of 2,004 people had already taken refuge in 19 evacuation centers.

Aerial photos showed entire streets filled with grey volcanic ash and mud, which had swallowed many homes and vehicles, including whole trucks.

Also read: Volcanic Activity Picks Up on Mount Semeru in East Java, Indonesia

“I’m still hoping my son will be found... Every time I hear victims have been found, I hope it is my son,” said Maskur Suhri of Sumberwuluh village, who was collecting palm tree sap when Semeru erupted.

“There’s a very small chance he survived... Maybe it’s my son’s fate, but I still hope he will be found, even just his body.”

Fresh volcanic activity on Monday hampered search efforts, forcing rescue teams to pull out from some areas.

“There was a small fresh eruption and it could endanger the evacuation teams,” said rescue worker Rizal Purnama.

Dangerous thick plumes of smoke continued to emerge from areas blanketed by the volcanic ash, while rescuers in hardhats tried to dig through the mud to try and find survivors -- and recover bodies.

Also read: Activity on Indonesia’s Most Active Volcano Intensifies

Their task was made more difficult as the volcanic debris had started to harden.
“It's very difficult... with simple tools,” Rizal Purnama said. “It is very likely bodies that have not been found are buried under the hot mudflow.”

Other rescuers helped desperate villagers salvage their belongings from wrecked homes. Some locals lifted mattresses and furniture on their shoulders while others carried goats in their arms.

'I could only pray'

KOMPAS.com/ANDI HARTIK A bridge in Lumajang regency in East Java collapsed on Monday, December 6, 2021 following hot ash from Mount Semeru that first erupted three days before. The highest volcano on Java island erupted again on Monday, December 6, 2021.

Officials have advised locals not to travel within five kilometers of Semeru's crater, as the nearby air is highly polluted and could affect vulnerable groups.