Mount Semeru Erupts, Ash Column Reaches 1.2 km Above Summit

Mount Semeru, which stands 3,676 metres above sea level, erupted on Thursday, producing a column of ash that rose 1.2 kilometres above its summit. The eruption occurred at 09:24 WIB, with the ash column observed reaching approximately 4,876 metres above sea level, according to a written report from Mount Semeru Observation Post officer Liswanto. The ash column was observed to be white to grey in colour, with moderate intensity drifting southwards. Earlier eruptions were recorded at 06:36 WIB with a column height of 900 metres, at 06:51 WIB reaching 600 metres, and at 07:32 WIB with a column height of 700 metres above the peak. The fifth eruption took place at 09:24 WIB. Liswanto explained that Mount Semeru’s volcanic activity is currently at Level III (Alert) status. The public is advised not to conduct any activities in the southeastern sector along Besuk Kobokan, within a 13-kilometre radius from the summit. Residents are prohibited from entering a five-kilometre radius from the crater due to the danger of incandescent rock projectiles. The public is also urged to remain vigilant against the potential for pyroclastic flows, lava avalanches, and lahars along river valleys originating at the summit, particularly along Besuk Kobokan, Besuk Bang, Besuk Kembar, and Besuk Sat, as well as potential lahars in smaller tributaries of Besuk Kobokan.