On December 4th 2021, an eruption occurred at Mount Semeru, East Java, Indonesia, leaving the villages smothered in molten ash and forcing dozens of locals to take shelter. Apart from property damage, injuries and casualties were also recorded from the volcanic activity. Some areas are coated with volcanic ash as high as rooftop and remain dangerous until today due to the risk of volcanic gases after the eruption.
Following the incident, many residents around the Mount Semeru vicinity are now in need of food and various sanitary products.
In response to this, on December 10th 2021, Behn Meyer Indonesia has provided some logistics and aid for residents who are still displaced at several points in the affected Lumajang regency. The logistics include mineral water, sandals, raincoats, tarpaulin, blankets, and towels.
Through BM's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme, Endang Retnowati as the representative of Behn Meyer has handed over the donation to Indonesia's National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) in Lumajang.
Indonesia is located on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," which is formed when tectonic plates collide, resulting in regular volcanic and seismic activity. While Mount Semeru is one of the active volcanoes in the region, Indonesia's geological agency noted that there was no seismic activity indicating that the eruption would occur, catching both locals and authorities by surprise.
Through the relief aid, we hope to help those affected by the eruption. We also hope that the situation at Lumajang will get better soon.