Mount Semeru in East Java erupted nine times, with the latest eruption sending an ash column up to 800m above its summit and triggering pyroclastic flows that travelled 3.5km down its southeastern slopes.
Mount Semeru Observation Post officer Mukdas Sofian said the volcano, the highest on Java Island, has been erupting since 12.21am yesterday.
“The ash column at 8.49am was observed to be white to grey with thick intensity drifting toward the southwest, while seismic recordings showed a maximum amplitude of 22mm and a duration of about four minutes and six seconds,” he said.
Mukdas said the strongest eruption occurred at 1.01am, producing an ash column reaching 1,000m above the summit, with moderate intensity drifting southwest. Authorities said Mount Semeru remains at Level III status.
Residents are advised not to carry out activities within 13km in the south-east sector along Besuk Kobokan, and prohibited from being within 500m of riverbanks along the same area due to the risk of pyroclastic flow expansion and lahar flows. — Bernama
