Mount Semeru Erupts Five Times, Spewing Ash 900 Meters High
East Java, The Gulf Observer: Mount Semeru, located in East Java, erupted five times on Friday, sending ash plumes soaring up to 900 meters above its peak. The eruption was confirmed by Liswanto, an officer at the Mount Semeru Observation Post, in a written statement released the same day.
The ash column appeared white to gray and moved with moderate intensity towards the southwest. Mount Semeru remains on alert Level III, indicating a significant risk of further eruptions.
The Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center (PVMBG) has issued several warnings to residents in the vicinity. They are advised to avoid activities in the southeastern area of the volcano along the Besuk Kobokan River, extending up to 13 kilometers from the peak. Additionally, activities within a 500-meter radius of the riverbank along Besuk Kobokan and within a 5-kilometer radius of the crater or peak of Mount Semeru are strictly prohibited due to the danger posed by ejected volcanic stones.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant against potential hot clouds and lava avalanches, which could travel along river flows or valleys originating from Mount Semeru’s peak, particularly affecting Besuk Kobokan, Besuk Bang, Besuk Kembar, and Besuk Sat. Awareness of possible lava flow in small tributaries of the Besuk Kobokan River is also emphasized.
The authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and advise all residents to follow safety instructions to minimize risk and ensure their safety.
