Mount Semeru Erupts in Java, Evacuations Under Way
Mount Semeru Erupts in Java, Evacuations Under Way
Indonesia's Mount Semeru erupts on Java, ash clouds blanket villages and authorities raise the alert to the highest level, prompting evacuations.
Mount Semeru, the highest peak on Java, erupted yesterday, sending searing ash and a mixture of rock, lava and gas up to 7km down its slopes and lifting a dense column of hot clouds about 2km into the air. Authorities raised the alert to the highest level as the day wore on, and evacuations began in earnest to keep residents safe.
More than 300 residents in three villages in the Lumajang district were moved to government shelters, with officials describing the response as urgent and coordinated. Rescue teams are trying to reach about 178 people stranded at the Ranu Kumbolo monitoring post, including 137 climbers, 15 porters, 7 guides and 6 tourism officials. The group has been staying at the post about 4.5km from the crater due to the hazardous conditions, with bad weather forcing them to spend the night there.
Semeru has a history of eruptions, the last major one occurring in December 2021, and authorities in East Java continue to monitor ash flows, gas emissions, and weather patterns as they coordinate evacuations and safety measures.
Officials emphasize that the situation remains dynamic and residents should heed shelter orders and travel advisories as teams assess risks and safety routes.
