The 3700 meter high Semeru volcano has been increasingly active again since December 2020. The volcano erupted on Saturday – dozens of people were killed.
Jakarta – Three days after the volcanic eruption on the Indonesian island of Java, the death toll has continued to rise.
At least 22 people were killed in the eruption of the 3700 meter high Semeru, 27 more are still missing, said the national disaster control. Many victims were burned beyond recognition. So far, only 13 dead could have been identified.
At least 68 people were reportedly injured and burned. Many houses were almost completely buried under ashes in the eruption. Around 2,000 people were housed in mosques and government buildings, among other places.
Huge cloud of smoke
The volcano in the east of Indonesia’s most populous island erupted on Saturday and turned day into night with a huge cloud of smoke in the surrounding villages. Today Indonesian President Joko Widodo wanted to travel to the region to get an idea of the situation.
Semeru is the highest mountain on Java and is located in the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park. He has been increasingly active again since December 2020. The island state of Indonesia is located on the so-called ring of fire in the Pacific and has almost 128 active volcanoes. This year the Merapi on Java, the Sinabung on Sumatra and the Lewotolo on Lembata had already erupted. dpa
