Lumajang BPBD Strengthens Semeru Forward Post to Accelerate Disaster Information
Lumajang, East Java (ANTARA) - The Lumajang Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) is strengthening the Semeru Advance Posts to speed up the delivery of disaster information on Mount Semeru, using early warning sirens that can be activated whenever conditions require public vigilance.
“The speed of information delivery is one of the key factors in reducing disaster risk,” said the Head of Lumajang Regency BPBD, Isnugroho, on Monday.
The safety of communities living in areas prone to Mount Semeru’s hazards remains a priority for the Lumajang Regency Government, which is why the two Semeru Advance Posts — located at Curah Kobokan in Candipuro District and at Oro-Oro Ombo in Pronojiwo District — are being optimised as the frontline in accelerating the delivery of early warning information to the public.
“The existence of the Advance Posts is part of efforts to strengthen preparedness in facing potential disasters triggered by Mount Semeru’s activity,” he said.
In addition to conducting field monitoring, officers also relay up-to-date information to residents, volunteers and workers carrying out activities along the rivers whose headwaters originate on Mount Semeru.
He said the Advance Posts play a vital role in speeding up the spread of information whenever there is an increase in volcanic activity that could trigger lahars or pyroclastic flows.
“Through these posts, officers provide the latest information on the potential for lahars or pyroclastic flows so that communities can raise their vigilance and take anticipatory steps as early as possible,” he said.
“The system is expected to give residents time to stop activities in high-risk areas or evacuate in accordance with officers’ instructions,” he said.
According to him, Lumajang BPBD continues to optimise the function of the Advance Posts as an information centre as well as a coordination point for field officers.
He also urged the public always to follow official information conveyed through the Advance Posts and BPBD, and to avoid activities in dangerous areas whenever Mount Semeru’s activity increases.
Through the strengthening of this early warning system, the Lumajang Regency Government hopes residents will receive information more quickly and accurately, giving them sufficient time to take anticipatory measures.
“These efforts form part of the regional government’s commitment to reducing disaster risk while improving the safety of communities in areas prone to Mount Semeru’s hazards,” he said.
According to records from the Mount Semeru Observation Post officers on Monday between 12.00 and 18.00 WIB, Mount Semeru experienced 26 eruption earthquakes, one avalanche earthquake, one blowing earthquake, one harmonic tremor and three distant tectonic earthquakes, while remaining at Siaga (Alert) status.