Mount Semeru Erupts: Tourists Advised to Stay Outside Five-Kilometer Radius

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Mount Semeru, Java’s highest mountain located in Lumajang and Malang, East Java, erupted on Wednesday, prompting authorities to advise tourists and locals to stay clear of a five-kilometer radius around the volcanic site.

The eruption occurred at 6:19 a.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB), as reported by Mount Semeru Observation Post officer Sigit Rian Alfian. The volcanic ash column, observed to be white to greyish in color, was thick in intensity and drifted westward. The eruption was recorded on a seismograph, registering a maximum amplitude of 22 millimeters and lasting 125 seconds. A column of volcanic ash reached 900 meters above the peak of Mount Semeru.

For safety reasons, individuals are cautioned against engaging in activities within the mountain’s southeast sector, particularly along Besuk Kobokan, situated 13 kilometers from the eruption center. Additionally, a warning has been issued to avoid activities within 500 meters of the riverbank along Besuk Kobokan due to the potential hazards of hot clouds and volcanic mudflow, extending up to 17 kilometers from the mountain’s peak.

People are strongly urged to maintain a distance of at least 5 kilometers from Mount Semeru’s summit due to the risk of falling stones. Vigilance is advised for potential hot clouds, lava, and volcanic mudflow along the downstream rivers and valleys of Mount Semeru, including areas like Besuk Kobokan, Besuk Bang, Besuk Kembar, and Besuk Sat, as well as potential mudflow in the tributaries of Besuk Kobokan.

The Mount Semeru Observation Post reported 77 eruption earthquakes, seven avalanche earthquakes, 18 gust earthquakes, two harmonic earthquakes, and four distant tectonic earthquakes on Wednesday. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) has declared Mount Semeru to be in an abnormal condition, signifying the possibility of eruptive material ejection, incandescent lava avalanches, hot clouds, and mud floods.

PVMBG is actively monitoring Mount Semeru through visual and instrumental surveillance from two observation posts located in Sumber Wuluh village, Candipuro sub-district, Lumajang, and Argosuko village, Ampelgading sub-district, Malang. Authorities are advising the public to stay informed and adhere to safety precautions as the situation develops.