Eruption of Mount Semeru: Ash Rises to 2 km, Pyroclastic Flow Reaches 5 km

Post by : Mina Rahman

At 10:25 p.m. local time, Mount Semeru experienced a significant eruption, resulting in a pyroclastic flow that extended approximately 5 km from its summit. The ash plume reached an elevation of about 2,000 meters above the volcano, translating to 5,676 meters above sea level.

Officials have reported that the ash appeared in various shades, predominantly white to gray, with densely concentrated areas to the east and southeast. Seismographic data recorded the eruption, with a peak amplitude of 27 mm and a total duration of 696 seconds.

Currently, the volcano is classified at Level III (Alert). Authorities are urging the public to refrain from activities in the southern section along Besuk Kobokan, within a 13 km radius of the summit. Furthermore, individuals should maintain a distance of at least 500 meters from the banks of Besuk Kobokan due to the potential for pyroclastic and lava flows, which might reach up to 17 km from the volcano.

Residents are particularly cautioned about the possibility of lava and pyroclastic material entering rivers and valleys that stem from Mount Semeru, including Besuk Kobokan, Besuk Bang, Besuk Kembar, Besuk Sat, and the smaller tributaries of Besuk Kobokan. Areas within a five km radius of the crater are deemed extremely hazardous because of the threat posed by ejected incandescent rocks.