Mount Semeru Erupts, Falling Hot Clouds Leads To Sapitarang Village, Lumajang

PHOTO VIA BNPB

JAKARTA - Mount Semeru experienced an increase in volcanic activity as indicated by the occurrence of hot cloud avalanches leading to Besuk Kobokan, Sapitarang Village, Pronojiwo District, Lumajang Regency, East Java.

In the chronology of events observed from the Mount Semeru Volcano Observation Post (PPGA) at Gunung Sawur Post, Poncosumo Hamlet, Sumberwuluh Village, Candipuro District, the vibration of lava floods or hot cloud avalanches was recorded starting at 14.47 western Indonesia time, with a maximum amplitude of 20 millimeters.

At 15.10 western Indonesia time, PPGA Pos Gunung Sawur then reported visually that volcanic ash from hot cloud avalanches was very clearly observed towards Besuk Kobokan and smelled of sulfur. In addition, visual reports from several locations also experienced darkness due to fog from volcanic ash.

Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Information and Communication Data Center Abdul Muhari in a written statement, Saturday, December 4, explained that according to records compiled by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), incandescent lava avalanches were observed with a sliding distance of approximately 500-800 meters with the avalanche center located approximately 500 meters below the crater.

As a quick response to the hot cloud incident, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Lumajang Regency has issued an appeal to the community and miners not to engage in activities along the Lumajang and Kobokan Watersheds.

Members of the Lumajang Regency BPBD along with other joint teams immediately headed to the location of the incident in the Candipuro-Pronojiwo sector to carry out monitoring, rapid assessment, data collection, evacuation, and other actions deemed necessary in handling emergencies.

The Lumajang Regency BPBD team is currently trying to establish a sectoral evacuation point in Kamarkajang Field, Sumberwuluh Village, Candipuro District, Lumajang Regency.

Until now there have been no reports of casualties and visually Mount Semeru is still covered in fog accompanied by moderate-intensity rain. Meanwhile, material losses and other impacts from the eruption of Mount Semeru are still being recorded.