In the send-off ceremony in the lobby of the Rectorate Building dr. Prakosa, Prof. Jamal reminded the task force that their presence should ease the burden of the evacuees.

“We are helping, so we should ease their burden. We should not burden them; we must ease their struggle, for example, by assisting in the next recovery,” Prof. Jamal stated.

He also hoped that the volunteers could contact UNS Hospital in the location directly and maintain coordination with local stakeholders to avoid miscommunication.

“With this, I send you off; hopefully, you perform your duties well, ease the burden of the evacuees in the shelter, and always stay safe until your return to Solo,” he added.

Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation Affairs UNS, Prof. Kuncoro Diharjo, explained that the 3^rd batch of Semeru Disaster taskforce aims to help the trauma healing and to help the evacuees. The task force consists of eleven volunteers, two from Alumni Association (IKA) UNS, five from Student Association for Nature Explorer (PMPA) Vagus Faculty of Medical Science (FK) UNS, two from the Coordinating Board (Bakorlak) for SAR UNS, and three from the Volunteer Corps (KSR) PMI UNS and Disaster Study Center (PSB) UNS.

The volunteers will take over the duties of the 2^nd batch task force, which had implemented their duties from Tuesday (14/12/2021). For ten days, the task force will help the evacuees until the disaster response period is over. Prof. Kuncoro stated that the 3^rd batch would be led directly by the Public Relations of Bakorlak SAR UNS, Ayub.

“Our main activities are medical services and trauma healing. Other additional activities could be decided later on after the main activities, such as distribution of aids for the evacuees,” Prof. Kuncoro stated. He also emphasized Prof. Jamal’s message that the volunteers are expected to maintain their communication in the disaster site. Prof. Kuncoro also suggested that the team communicate with the Relocation Team to discuss the temporary settlements program for the evacuees.

“This is important information because to this day, it is still in the mapping process, and there has not been finalization. We are currently discussing UNS post-disaster relief contribution concerning the collected donation for Semeru,” he concluded.

On a different occasion, the Leader of the 3^rd Taskforce, Ayub, explained that his team brought staple foods, pampers, trauma healing equipment, and other tools. His team is also supported with a unit of ambulance and car. UNS had sent off two other taskforces in responding to the Mount Semeru eruption on 4December; the first task force was sent on 5 December and 2^nd task force on 14December. Humas UNS

Reporter: Y.C.A. Sanjaya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post Send Off 3rd Batch of Semeru Disaster Taskforce, Rector of UNS: Do not Burden the Evacuees! appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.

Mount Semeru erupted in its 2^nd danger level (Waspada), while the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) reported that there are three other volcanoes with higher danger status in the Indonesia region, Mount Merapi, Mount Sinabung, and Mount Ili Lewotolok, all with danger level III (Siaga). These mountains also showed increasing volcanic activities following the Mount Semeru eruption.

The Chief of Disaster Study Center (PSB) LPPM Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, Prof. Dr. Chatarina Muryani, M.Si., stated that it is a common phenomenon that one volcano eruption triggers the increase of other mountains activities around it.

“Usually, if there are volcanic activities, those surrounding it or in one line with it also show an increase in activity,” Prof. Chatarina stated.

According to her, it is strongly correlated with Indonesia’s position on the active tectonic plates. The collision between these plates could trigger volcanic activities. Thus, explaining the large numbers of volcanoes in Indonesia and its ‘Ring of Fire’ title. Volcanoes in the same tectonic plate have a high probability of affecting one another. Thus, explaining the ‘trigger’ of Mount Semeru’s eruption on the surrounding mountains. This phenomenon demands close attention from the community, considering that the Mount Semeru eruption came without warning signs.

“There are many theories on the sudden eruption of Semeru. It could be caused by high precipitation that causes the collapse of the lava dome and eruption. However, Semeru eruption can be categorized as small because the volcanic materials ejected were in a small volume. However, all regions with volcanoes should be aware of this,” Prof. Chatarina added.

Further, the professor in Geography Education Program UNS suggested that all districts will volcano devise a contingency plan and have the preparedness to evacuate their people if a sudden eruption occurs. Local government is also suggested to provide more socialization on disaster mitigation for eruption, including what people must do during the eruption event, the evacuation sites, and other things, continuously to local people. Local government and related institutions are also demanded to socialize and apply the disaster Early Warning System (EWS).

PSB UNS is conducting a study on Mount Semeru eruption using satellite imagining, mapping areas covered by volcanic mudflow, and developing disaster-prone areas after the eruption. The results of this study will be delivered to the government as a suggestion. Humas UNS

Reporter: Ida Fitriyah
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post Mount Semeru Eruption and Other Mountains Volcanic Activities: Explanation from UNS Disaster Expert appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.