Jakarta. Health problems are emerging among residents displaced by Mount Semeru’s latest eruption, as cramped and poorly equipped evacuation shelters struggle to cope with rising numbers of evacuees. Conditions at SDN Supiturang 4 Elementary School in Lumajang Regency, which is hosting more than 70 people, have deteriorated after two days of continuous use.

Classrooms converted into temporary dormitories lack adequate bedding, forcing many evacuees --including elderly residents, children, and women--- to sleep on thin mats and basic blankets on the floor. The inadequate conditions have heightened the risk of illness among vulnerable groups, health workers say.

“Many residents have reported fever and shortness of breath, while infants and children are developing coughs and colds,” said Ike Yuli, a midwife from Supiturang Village stationed at the shelter. She added that medical supplies and sleeping equipment remain insufficient despite efforts to treat patients with limited resources.

Evacuees are appealing for additional mattresses, blankets, and basic necessities, especially as nighttime temperatures drop. Local officials and volunteers continue to distribute aid and register displaced residents, while authorities prepare additional shelters to reduce overcrowding.

Local authorities also confirmed that the number of residents injured by hot volcanic materials has risen to three. All victims suffered burns and are currently receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.

Mount Semeru remains at the highest alert level, Level IV, following renewed eruptions that began on Wednesday. On Thursday afternoon, heavy rainfall triggered a lahar flood along the Curah Kobokan River, striking volcanic deposits and producing a secondary eruption that generated thick white plumes of steam. The spectacle drew curious crowds, prompting authorities to urge residents to keep their distance from lava channels due to unpredictable secondary explosions.

“I was curious to see it since it’s been circulating online,” said Ela, one of several residents who stopped to watch from nearby hills. Officials, however, warned that such behavior is dangerous.

Meanwhile, rescue teams successfully evacuated 187 hikers stranded at Ranu Kumbolo, a popular lake on the Semeru trekking route. The evacuation was delayed due to poor weather on Wednesday but resumed Thursday under the supervision of registered mountain guides. Authorities confirmed all hikers are safe, noting that the eruption’s impact was concentrated southward, away from the lake.

As volcanic activity remains unstable, the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Authority has suspended all hiking activities on Mount Semeru indefinitely. Officials continue to monitor trails to ensure no hikers remain along the route.

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa said evacuation operations, healthcare, and logistics distribution are functioning smoothly, with particular attention to children and the elderly. She urged residents to remain alert, adding that Semeru’s status escalated from “Watch” to “Alert” to “Warning” within just one hour during the latest activity spike.

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