Terrifying Moment Father and Daughter Swept Away by Semeru Lahar Flood on Way to School

Vita, a Year 4 primary school pupil, and her father Anton were swept away by a lahar flood from Mount Semeru in the Regoyo River, Jugosari Village, Candipuro District, Lumajang. The pair were caught in the flood whilst travelling to school.

The incident began when Anton was taking his daughter to school, crossing the Regoyo River by motorbike. The powerful current swept away the motorbike they were riding, dragging both Anton and his daughter along with it.

The young pupil managed to call for help, and residents who witnessed the incident were able to rescue her. The Regoyo River has become a crossing route for local residents after a spillway bridge in the village was buried by lahar floods from Mount Semeru.

“It was sheer bad luck — he didn’t stop and went straight across. His child was swept about five metres or more,” said local resident Abdul Rohim on Monday (23 February 2026).

As a result of the incident, Vita was unable to attend school on the first day back after the extended Ramadan holiday break. Her uniform and all her school equipment were completely soaked, forcing her to return home.

“The pupil was unable to continue to school because her uniform and school supplies were drenched by the floodwater,” Rohim added.