Cold Lava from Mt Semeru Flooding Homes

VIVAnews - Due to high precipitation which caused heavy rainfalls to pour over Lumajang Regency, East Java, for two days, Mount Semeru's crater cold lava ran down into housing area.

As a result, Jugosari Village, Ponokiwo Subdistrict, Lumajang, was seriously hit by cold lava. The muddy water of 60 centimeters high flooded countless homes. According to an inhabitant, Lamidi, the incident had only occurred for the first time. "The embankment of the Jugo River broke down. That was why the cold lava penetrated the village," said Lamidi on Friday, Jan 30.

Although it claimed no lives, the inhabitants were panicked because they did not expect the cold lava to hit the village. "We are hoping that the government repair the cracked embankment soon," said Lamidi, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

In addition to flooding homes, cold lava also drowned plantation including villagers' coffee farm.

Semeru Volcano is now in alert. Every 15 to 30 minutes, clouds of smoke fill the sky above it.

As a result, a number of cities located at Semeru slopes are covered by ashes that the mount erupted.

Coverage by: Taufik Jumaan/ Lumajang
Translated by: Bonardo Maulana Wahono