Update: 43 People Die Due to Mount Semeru Eruption

jpnn.com, JAWA TIMUR - The number of people died due to the eruption of Mount Semeru in Lumajang, East Java, has increased to 43, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

BNPB information and communication center acting head Abdul Muhari said the data was based on a summary report from the search and rescue (SAR) team in the field as of Thursday (9/12) noon.

"There were four more people who were found dead due to the eruption of Mount Semeru, bringing the total death toll to 43," Muhari said in a press release in Jakarta.

Meanwhile, 104 people were reportedly injured, 32 people of whom suffered serious injuries.

Until now, the SAR team is still conducting searches in several locations affected by the eruption, such as the Curah Koboan, Kajar Kuning, Tambang Satuhan or Kebondeli Utara, Kampung Renteng, and Kebondeli Selatan.

In addition, authorities continue to clean and further assess the areas, which is now focused on Kamar Kajang, Sumberwuluh village.

The joint search and rescue operation, which had been carried out since 05.30 WIB, was temporarily suspended when they observed that thick black and overcast clouds were surrounding Curah Koboan.

Based on the visual report, at 06.22 a.m., Mount Semeru was clearly visible, and thick white smoke was sliding towards the West and Southwest up to 1,000 meters.