Three Indonesian Villages Isolated as Bridges Collapse from Semeru Volcanic Mudflow

On April 18, 2024, three villages in Lumajang, East Java, Indonesia - Sumberlangsep, Liwek, and Glendang Petung - with a total population of over 2,500, were isolated due to bridges collapsing from the Semeru volcanic mudflow. The mudflow was triggered by heavy rainfall in the Mount Semeru area, causing the Regoyo River basin to overflow and flood nearby settlements.

The cold lava flows and landslides caused significant material losses, including damage to at least four bridges in Lumajang Regency. A couple passing by on a motorcycle were killed when the tragedy occurred. In addition, a landslide in Sumberurip village resulted in the death of a 40-year-old woman named Ira.

The Lumajang Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) has deployed a rapid response team and a joint team to assess the flooding and landslides and expedite the handling of the situation. The Brawijaya University's Emergency Rescue Team from the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Medical Student Health Institute have also deployed a disaster response team to the affected area, bringing supplies and medical equipment to provide assistance.

Why this matters: The isolation of these villages due to the volcanic mudflow and collapsed bridges highlights the ongoing risks faced by communities living in the vicinity of active volcanoes. The disaster emphasizes the significance of effective disaster management, early warning systems, and the need for swift relief efforts to support affected populations.

At least 32 families in Lumajang have been voluntarily relocated to safer areas following the overflow of cold lava floods. The Lumajang Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) deployed a boat to accelerate the relocation process after the flood damaged three bridges and submerged the main road. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has asked local authorities to implement mitigation measures by regularly monitoring rainfall potential and protecting residents and visitors around the Regoyo River basin to minimize the impact in case of repeated cold lava floods.

The Lumajang Regency Government has implemented an emergency response period from April 19 to May 2, 2024. The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Lumajang Regency noted that the impact of the Semeru rain lava flood was felt by residents in 9 districts, 15 villages, and 4 urban villages in Lumajang. The Lumajang Regional Government is currently collecting data on the losses caused by the disaster and advising the community to remain vigilant about potential hydro-meteorological disasters.

Key Takeaways

• 3 villages in Lumajang, Indonesia isolated due to bridge collapse from Semeru volcanic mudflow
• Mudflow triggered by heavy rainfall, causing Regoyo River basin to overflow and flood nearby settlements
• Cold lava flows and landslides caused significant material losses, including 4 bridge damages
• Disaster response teams deployed to assess situation and provide assistance to affected communities
• 32 families voluntarily relocated, authorities implementing mitigation measures to minimize future impacts