Land Slide Buries Mount Semeru Climbing Track

Lumajang, E Java, March 27 (Antara) - Land slide has buried climbing track of 3,676 meters high of Mount Semeru after extreme weather and heavy rain poured the area on several recent weeks. "Land slide occurred at Ranu Kumbolo track to Kalimati post of Mount Semeru," said Head of Management Office for Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) Ayu Dewi Utari in a phone interview with Antara here Tuesday. According to her the landslide affected at least six site points of climbing track to Mahameru peak such as Ranu Kumbolo, Oro-oro Ombo, Cemoro Kandang, Jambangan, Sumbermani, and Kalimati. The route of climbing track to the peak of Mount Semeru (Mahameru) consist of Ranu Pani - Watu Rejeng - Ranu Kumbolo - Oro-oro Ombo - Cemoro Kandang - Jambangan - Sumbermani - Kalimati - Arcopodo - Cemara Tunggal - Mahameru peak. According to her, dozens of trees also fallen after strong wind and heavy rain strucked the highest peak in Java Island. "Officers noted that at least 60 trees had fallen so that the climbing track cannot be opened for public until late March. The TNBTS has closed Mount Semeru climbing track since January 8, 2013 as bad weather occurred in the area," said Ayu. She added at least 20 TNBTS officers accompanied by local civilians cleaning up the Semeru track that covered with landslide and trees. "The officers informed us that storm and bad weather still occurring in the 3,676 meters mount, so that we cannot assure the re-open time of the climbing track," Ayu said. She said when the rainy season come, Mount Semeru climbing track is prone to land slide, fallen trees and thick fog as well as strong wind which endanger the climbers. "The officers will conduct survey before the climbing track re-opened for public visitors. We hope the weather getting better soon," said Ayu. However, she added, according to the Volcanology and Geology Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) the TNBTS will limit the climbing line for civilians into Kalimati post only. "The PVMBG prohibited visitors to climb to the Mahameru peak as it is still dangerous," Ayu said. The mitigation agency stated the status of Mount Semeru, Lumajang district at alert level II since May 2, 2013 that prohibit civilians to have activity within radius 4 kilometers from the Mahameru point.