It has been a really bad start to 2021 for Indonesia. Just a few days ago the country was shaken by an earthquake that claimed 49 lives. On Saturday, Mount Semeru, the highest volcano in East Java province in Indonesia, erupted and spewed clouds of smoke as high as 4.5 kms metres into the air.

Heaps of volcanic ash rain from the eruption of Mt. Semeru is covering resident houses, plantations, mosques and other public facilities.

Our charity partners on the ground are working to distribute masks and mitigate any potential evacuation issues if the situation worsens

The authorities have warned resident living to be alert for the volcanic activity. The Vulcanology and Geological Hazard Mtigation Center (PVMBG) has kept Semeru’s alert level at waspada (caution), the second-highest level in the country’s four-tiered alert system. Authorities have also warned of high rainfall intensity that can trigger lava floods in the nearby village area.

The Messenger of Allah said, “Whoever relieves the hardship of a believer in this world, Allah will relieve his hardship on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever helps ease one in difficulty, Allah will make it easy for him in this world and in the Hereafter. Whoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah helps the servant as long as he helps his brother. [Muslim]