Mount Semeru Erupts Again, Ash Column Reaches 1,200 Meters

Mount Semeru in Lumajang Regency, East Java, erupted again on Thursday (January 2, 2025) at 08:51 WIB. The eruption produced an ash column reaching 1,200 meters above the Jonggring Saloko crater. "An eruption occurred at 08:51 WIB with an ash column height of 1,200 meters," stated Liswanto from the Semeru Volcano Monitoring Post (PPGA) in a written report. Before this eruption, Semeru had two other eruptions at 05:05 and 07:57 WIB, with ash columns of 500 meters.

According to the PPGA Semeru report, on Wednesday (January 1, 2025), there were 34 recorded eruptions from midnight to midnight. Yudhi Cahyono, head of Emergency and Logistics at the Lumajang Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), mentioned that the latest eruption is still classified as normal. "The current activity status of Mount Semeru is at level II or alert," Yudhi said. BPBD advised residents to avoid activities in the southeast sector along Besuk Kobokan, within 8 kilometers from the summit. Additionally, people are prohibited from being within 500 meters of the riverbanks along Besuk Kobokan due to the potential for hot ash clouds and lahar flows that could reach 13 kilometers from the peak. "Moreover, heavy rainfall around Mount Semeru increases the risk of lahar flooding," Yudhi added.

Yudhi urged the community to remain alert for possible hot ash flows, lava flows, and lahar along the river that originates from the summit of Mount Semeru. "Be cautious of the potential for hot ash flows (APG), lava flows, and lahar, especially during heavy rain," he advised. With the alert status still in effect, residents near Mount Semeru are encouraged to keep monitoring official information and follow local authorities' guidance to avoid greater risks.

Tag: Lumajang Regency Mount Semeru Semeru Volcano Monitoring Post