Destructive lahars descend down the slopes of Semeru volcano, Indonesia

10 days of continuous rainfall caused a large amount of volcanic material, debris and water to move down the slopes of the Semeru volcano on July 7, 2023, leading to destructive overflows and severe damage.

The resulting lahars, a destructive mix of water and volcanic material also known as volcanic mudflow, have led to the destruction of several bridges. Two notable casualties include the Kali Regoyo Kebondeli Selatan suspension bridge and the Regoyo Lumajang Bridge.

At the time of writing, this event was still unfolding. Consequently, a comprehensive assessment of the damage is yet to be made, and the full extent of the disaster remains unknown.

While the rainfall may cease, the aftermath of the lahars poses an ongoing concern for the local communities and the authorities alike. Infrastructure damage, particularly the loss of bridges, disrupts transportation and can isolate communities, impeding rescue and recovery efforts.

Updates

July 10

Data from the East Java Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) confirms that 1 038 individuals have been displaced by the mudflows of volcanic materials from Mount Semeru, floods, and landslides in Lumajang District. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has reported three deaths and 2 923 individuals affected due to these events. Additionally, there’s significant infrastructural damage, with three houses, six bridges, and 13 public facilities reported damaged.

Local authorities have established command posts in the affected districts to assess the damage and coordinate the response. The Indonesian Red Cross has been active in search and rescue operations and public kitchen services, working to provide immediate relief to the displaced and affected.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has issued a flood alert for extreme weather due to atmospheric disturbances in the East Java region from July 7 to July 13, 2023. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and prepared as authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.

Featured image credit: InfoSemeru (stillshot)