Indonesia’s most active volcano, Mount Semeru, erupted multiple times on Saturday, sending ash clouds up to 1,000 meters into the air and prompting authorities to maintain strict safety measures around the area.
According to official monitoring data, the 3,676-meter volcano in East Java recorded at least nine eruptions throughout the day. The first was detected shortly after midnight, at 00:07, producing an ash column that rose to around 700 meters above the summit and drifted south in line with prevailing winds.
The strongest activity was recorded later in the morning. Officials said an eruption at 05:19 sent ash up to around 1,000 meters, marking the day’s most intense event.
Liswanto, an official at the Semeru Volcano Monitoring Center, said the volcano continues to show sustained seismic activity, indicating that eruptive conditions remain active.
Authorities have kept the alert level unchanged and urged residents and visitors to stay away from designated high-risk zones, particularly areas near the crater and along potential lava and ash flow paths.
Mount Semeru has a long history of frequent eruptions, and communities in the surrounding areas are accustomed to periodic volcanic activity. However, officials continue to monitor developments closely, as shifts in intensity can occur with little warning.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage, but authorities have reiterated that precautionary measures remain in place as the situation evolves.
–Input WAM
