Police in Lumajang help primary school students cross the cold lahar flow of Mount Semeru

Lumajang, East Java (ANTARA) - Officers from the Candipuro Police Station, Lumajang Police, have been directly assisting students and residents in crossing the strong currents of the cold lahar flow in the Regoyo River, located in Jugosari Village, Lumajang Regency, East Java.

“Three officers from the Candipuro Police Station took turns carrying students from SD Negeri 03 Jugosari from Dusun Sumberlangsep while crossing the river to get to school,” said the Head of Public Relations of the Lumajang Police, Ipda Suprapto, in a written statement received in Lumajang, Thursday.

According to him, this is a preventative measure and an effort to prevent a recurrence of the incident where a female student was previously swept away by floodwaters from Mount Semeru while on her way to school on Monday (February 23).

“The incident involving the primary school student and her father being swept away while crossing the Regoyo River has become a serious concern for the Lumajang Police, so officers from the Candipuro Police Station have been deployed to prevent similar incidents from happening again,” he said.

“In addition to helping students, officers from the Candipuro Police Station are also quick to help residents who want to cross for activities by guiding pedestrians one by one to maintain balance,” he said.

Motorcycle riders crossing the Regoyo River are assisted by being pushed together to avoid the risk of slipping and being swept away by the strong cold lahar flow.

The presence of Polri personnel at the location is a form of service and concern for the safety of the community, especially school children in disaster-prone areas.

“Seeing the condition of the Regoyo River current which is quite strong and dangerous, officers from the Candipuro Police Station immediately helped the community. Alhamdulillah, the children who want to go to school can cross safely,” he said.

He explained that the Lumajang Police continue to strive to be present in the community, especially during emergencies or natural disasters, to provide a sense of security and help facilitate community activities.

“We urge the public to always be vigilant, especially during heavy rainfall. If the river conditions do not allow for crossing, we ask that they postpone activities for the safety of all,” he said.