On December 7, local time, the number of people killed in the eruption of Semeru Volcano in East Java Province, Indonesia has risen to 34, and 16 people are still missing.

　　Indonesia’s official Antara News Agency quoted Suyatna, an official of East Java’s search and rescue agency, reporting that 34 people were killed in the volcanic eruption, and 16 people are unaccounted for; another 26 people were in the eruption. Middle was seriously injured and 82 people were slightly injured. The injured are receiving treatment in several local hospitals.

　　Suyatna said that severe weather such as strong winds and heavy rain hindered search and rescue operations. The volcano that may erupt again at any time also made the search and rescue operations be carried out cautiously, because the safety of search and rescue personnel must be “prioritized”.

　　On the same day, Indonesian President Joko rushed to inspect the volcanic eruption disaster area and expressed condolences to the victims.

　　Joko visited several villages and damaged bridges in Lumajang County, which was most severely affected by the volcanic eruption, and went to the resettlement sites to comfort the victims.

Joko said that various departments are making every effort to search for the missing persons.

The government will compensate the families of the victims and has begun to repair the damaged infrastructure.

　　Joko also stated that the government will relocate the damaged villagers’ houses, and will immediately determine the relocation site and start building construction so that the victims will be relocated as soon as possible.

　　According to statistics from the Indonesian National Disaster Relief Agency, a total of 2,970 houses, 38 schools and a bridge were destroyed in the two counties (cities) of Malang and Lumajiang, where Semeru volcano is located.

　　At about 15:00 on the 4th local time, the Semeru volcano in East Java Province, Indonesia erupted violently in heavy rain, and the volcano experienced two small-scale eruptions on the morning of the 6th.

More than 10 villages nearby were severely affected by ash rain and lava formed by the volcanic eruption.

(Producing Li Jiali)

Editor in charge: [Li Ji]