Monday Morning, Mount Semeru Launches Volcanic Ash As High As 800 Meters

Mount Semeru erupted from the volcanic observation post on Mount Sawur, Lumajang Regency, East Java, Monday (12/2/2024). (ANTARA)

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) reported the eruption of Mount Semeru in Malang Regency and Lumajang Regency, East Java Province, Monday, February 12. Mount Semeru emitted volcanic ash as high as 800 meters from the crater center.

This eruption occurred at 06.02 WIB with a moderately white to gray ash column heading southeast.

Officer of the Mount Semeru Observation Post, Yadi Yuliandi, in his statement quoted from ANTARA, said the maximum amplitude reached 22 millimeters with a duration of 131 seconds, as recorded in the report received in Jakarta on Monday, February 12.

PVMBG provides a ban on community activities within 500 meters of the riverbank (river border) along Besuk Kobokan due to the potential for expansion of hot clouds and lava flows up to 17 kilometers from the peak of Mount Semeru.

In addition, the public is advised not to move within a five-kilometer radius of the top of the mountain because it is prone to the dangers of throwing stones.

On February 11, 2024, Mount Semeru recorded 88 eruption earthquakes, eight avalanches, 19 gusts, 22 harmonic earthquakes, and 3 distant tectonic earthquakes. Meanwhile, on February 12, 2024, in the period 00.00 to 06.00 WIB, 19 eruptions were recorded, one avalanche earthquake, and 11 gusts.

Mount Semeru, as the most active volcano in Indonesia, has experienced 29,131 eruptions over the past year.