Mount Semeru Erupts Again, Sprays Abu As High As 1,000 Meters

Mount Semeru erupted, which was observed from the volcanic observation post on Mount Sawur, Lumajang Regency, East Java (ANTARA).

LUMAJANG - Mount Semeru in Lumajang, East Java erupted again by ejecting ash and other volcanic material on Friday, February 14 morning.

Based on reports from the Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center (PVMBG) monitoring post, the eruption of Mount Semeru occurred at 04.52 WIB with a column height of ash reaching 1,000 meters with a column of gray ash observed with thick intensity to the west.

"The eruption was recorded on a seismograph with a maximum amplitude of 22 millimeters and a duration of 163 seconds," said Yadi Yuliandi, a PVMBG officer.

There have been no reports of impact due to the volcanic activity and until now the status of Mount Semeru is still at level II (alert).

However, PVMBG appealed to the public to remain vigilant and careful about the volcanic activity of Mount Semeru. It is known, currently there is still a lot of volcanic material left over from the eruption that has the potential for lava flooding.

"Not carrying out any activities in the southeast sector along Besuk Kobokan, as far as 8 kilometers from the summit (the center of the eruption)," said Yadi.

In addition, PVMBG also appealed to the community around the slopes of Mount Semeru to maintain a safe radius according to recommendations in carrying out activities.

"Out of these distances, people do not carry out activities at a distance of 500 meters from the riverbank along Besuk Kobokan because it has the potential to be affected by the expansion of hot clouds and lava flows up to a distance of 13 kilometers from the summit," Yadi wrote.