Mount Semeru fires spreading as E. Java experiences extreme drought
Most areas in East Java have experienced over 60 consecutive days without rain, which is means they are in extreme drought.
Mount Semeru, located in Lumajang regency, East Java, is experiencing a severe fire outbreak that has ravaged 598 hectares of land as of Monday. The disaster has been exacerbated by an ongoing extreme drought, with over 60 consecutive days of no rainfall in the region. The East Java Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) reported that the fire is concentrated in two spots: one in the B29 area of Argosari village and the other in the Ranu Kembang area of Runu Pani in Senduro district.
Efforts to curb the spread of the fire have been ongoing, involving a joint team comprising personnel from BPBD, the Indonesian Military (TNI), National Police, volunteers, and locals. They have been working on creating firebreaks in Ayak-ayak and Po'o forests to contain the flames. Additionally, fire dousing efforts have been conducted along the Semeru climbing route between Post 1 and Post 2 to prevent the fire from spreading further.
However, the team is facing significant challenges due to the mountain's difficult terrain, with the fire locations situated on steep cliffs and strong winds accelerating the fire's progression. Despite these obstacles, the joint effort continues in an attempt to mitigate the fire's impact and protect the surrounding areas.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
