A powerful eruption of Mount Semeru in Indonesia has forced evacuations and sent a 54,000-foot ash cloud into the sky. The eruption, which occurred early this morning at 6:11 a.m. local time, has led authorities to warn residents of the dangers of hot clouds, lava flows, and mudflows from the volcano.
At 2:30 p.m. local time, a second, more intense eruption took place, with wet and foggy conditions contributing to the rise of thick, hot clouds. The East Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has evacuated elderly residents from the affected area, while local authorities have advised staying at least 2,500 meters from the crater to avoid potential hot rock ejections.
Mukdas Sofian, Officer at Mount Semeru Observation Post, described the ash cloud as gray and thick, extending to the north and northwest. He emphasized the ongoing nature of the eruption and cautioned the public to stay alert for potential dangers, including lahars (mudflow debris) along nearby rivers and valleys.
A red aviation warning was issued by the Australia Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre due to the massive ash cloud, which is moving at 30 knots in a south-westerly direction. Volcanic ash poses significant risks to flight safety, potentially damaging aircraft engines and components. The eruption has led to diversions and cancellations of flights in the affected region.
The Indonesian Foreign Office has raised the alert level to 4 (of 4), warning of further pyroclastic flows and lava hazards. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, with the eruption reminiscent of the deadly 2021 event that claimed 57 lives.
