Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) is deploying 46 soldiers to help victims of Mount Semeru’s eruption in Lumajang District, East Java.
The soldiers from Abdulrachman Saleh Airbase in Malang, East Java, comprised elements of TNI AU’s special force (Paskhas) specializing in search and rescue (SAR), healthcare, aviation potential (potdirga), intelligence and information , Chief of the TNI AU’s Information Service Air Commodore Indan Gilang Buldansyah said in a written statement released on Sunday.
“The mission of the TNI AU soldiers led by the chief of Abdulrachman Saleh Airbase’s aviation potential division is to hand over basic necessities to the main command post at the meeting hall of Lumajang district head’s office and later put up emergency response command post’s tents in the affected village of Sumber Wuluh, Lumajang,” he said.
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To carry out activities in land, they are equipped with logistic trucks, SAR equipment, ambulances and escort vehicles, he said.
Right now, several of TNI AU’s primary weapon system (alusista) equipment has moved towards Abdulrachman Saleh Airbase and an EC-120 Colibri helicopter led by Commander of Abdulrachman Saleh Airbase Air Commodore Zulfahmi has conducted an aerial assessment of affected areas, he said,
Meanwhile, an AS-332 Super Puma helicopter has also moved from Iswahjudi Airbase in Magetan, East Java, to Abdulrachman Saleh Airbase.
"TNI AU also readies an helicopter at Atang Sendjaja Airbase in Bogor and a C-130 Hercules plane at Halim Perdanakusuma Airbase in Jakarta," he said.
Mount Semeru erupted and spewed volcanic ash on Saturday afternoon.
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The death toll from the volcano's eruption rose to 13 as of early Sunday, according to Head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB)
The eruption also left tens of people injured , the BNPB said in a press statement released on Sunday.
According to the BNPB, 41 people were referred to Haryoto Regional General Hospital and Bhayangkara Police Hospital after receiving first aid care at the Penanggal public health service post.
Meanwhile, 40 people are being treated at Pasiran public health service post, seven people at Candipuroi public service post and 10 people at Penanggal public service post.
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