Willy Kurniawan

SUMBERWULUH (Reuters) – Officials at Indonesia’s Semeru volcano warned people to be vigilant following a devastating eruption last weekend. Heavy wind and rain brought an end to search-and rescue efforts.

On Saturday, the volcano that erupts from Java’s tallest mountain exploded in a dramatic eruption. Ash poured into the air and blanketed the surrounding villages. There were 14 deaths and many more injuries.

The aerial footage revealed roofs rising out of an otherwise barren landscape while residents, officers and police dug into the mud to rescue victims.

Liswanto (head of Semeru Volcano Observatory) warned residents to stay away from the mountain on Monday amid concerns that some people had returned home to inspect their belongings.

Mt. Semeru’s status is at Level 2, meaning that at this level people should be more alert because there is still a potential danger,” he explained.

Over 50 people were injured by the eruption. Most of them suffered burns. The bridge that connected two parts of the district of Lumajang and Malang was damaged by the lava flows.

Two trucks were partially submerged in volcanic ash at Sumberwuluh, and recovery efforts stopped abruptly due to strong winds.

For more than 1000 people who were displaced, public kitchens have been established and there are health centers.

CNN Indonesia reported that the dispatched trauma healing team was sent out to help children who have been affected by the eruption. Additionally, hundreds of humanitarian aid packages were delivered to the area, which included rice, blankets, clothing, and other necessities.

Semeru is among more than 100 volcanoes that are active in Indonesia. It’s located on the Pacific Ring of Fire which has high levels of seismic activity and rests upon multiple tectonic plates.