Lumajang, East Java. The eruption of Mount Semeru over the past week has destroyed 21 houses, public facilities, and 205 hectares of farmland, while leaving three villagers seriously injured, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said on Monday.

Public facilities — including a health center and an electrical substation — were damaged by volcanic material in the villages of Supiturang, Oro-Oro Ombo, and Penanggal.

As of Sunday, more than 500 residents from the three villages had taken shelter in temporary evacuation centers located in school buildings.

“Even while staying in shelters, some evacuees continue to return home during the day to clean their houses and attempt to resume work,” BNPB spokesman Abdul Muhari said.

BNPB has distributed logistical support and basic necessities — such as mattresses, tarpaulins, blankets, and ready-to-eat meals — to ease the burden on evacuees.

The Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) has deployed 650 soldiers to the affected districts to support relief efforts, including running public kitchens, clearing volcanic debris, and helping residents salvage belongings from damaged homes.

Major General Susilo, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, said personnel have been deployed across multiple locations to fully support the humanitarian operation.

“Our priority is recovery — clearing volcanic material, supporting public kitchens, and helping residents retrieve belongings that can still be saved,” Susilo said on Sunday.

Soldiers are coordinating with police, local governments, volunteers, and rescue workers as part of the disaster-mitigation mission.

Large areas — especially along the Besuk Kobokan river basin — remain blanketed by ash and volcanic deposits, with many homes buried and road access cut off. Authorities say clearing the debris is the most urgent need.

According to the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the eruption occurred on November 19, releasing an ash column 2,000 meters high. Semeru also emitted pyroclastic flows that traveled seven kilometers from the summit, with grey ash drifting north and northwest.

The Lumajang district government has declared a state of emergency until November 26, 2025, as a precaution against further eruptions.

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