JAKARTA – Mount Semeru volcano in Lumajang, East Java erupted today with hot ash plume rising up to 1,500m, Indonesia’s volcanology agency said.
The avalanche of hot clouds has been moving up to 13km southeast, blanketing populated areas below the eruption zone and blocking sunlight.
The National Disaster Management Authority evacuated almost 1,979 people living in nearby villages in Lumanjang and Malang districts to 11 temporary shelters.
However, no immediate damage or casualties have been reported.
The Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Centre said the volcano had erupted 13 times between 2.46am and 12pm local time today.
The agency had raised the volcano’s alert status to IV.
Residents were warned to stay 17km away from the summit and should know the danger posed by potential lava flows and hot clouds up to 19km.
Mount Semeru is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes and Java Island’s highest peak at 3,676m.
It last erupted in December 2021, killing 69 people while 104 more suffered injuries. – Bernama, December 4, 2022
