Lumajang, East Java (ANTARA) - The eruption of Mount Semeru did not deter locals from exercising their right to vote at several voting places (TPS) at the foot of Java’s highest mountain on Wednesday (Feb 14).

“The Mount Semeru eruption does not have any significant impact, and people’s activities carry on as usual,” Head of the Prevention, Preparedness, and Logistics Division of the Lumajang District Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) Wawan Hadi S. stated when confirmed in Lumajang.

Mount Semeru erupted thrice on February 14, 2024, at 7 a.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB), 2:56 p.m. WIB, and 3:40 p.m. WIB.

According to an observation from the Mount Semeru Observation Post, an eruption occurred at 7 a.m. WIB, with volcanic ash reaching 13,363 feet (4,176 meters), resulting in an orange code for aviation.

White to greyish volcanic ash headed north, with thick intensity, an amplitude of a maximum of 22 mm, and a duration of 105 seconds.

Mount Semeru Observation Post officer Sigit Rian Alfian noted in a written report that the second eruption occurred at 2:56 p.m. WIB. The height of the eruption was indiscernible due to fog, but the seismograph recorded an amplitude of a maximum of 22 mm and a 103-second duration for the second eruption.

“The third eruption occurred at 3:40 p.m. WIB. The height of the eruption’s column was unobserved. Seismograph recorded an amplitude of a maximum of 23 mm and a 127-second duration,” he stated.

Head of Lumajang District General Elections Commission (KPU) Yuyun Baharita stated that her side had sought help from the Lumajang BPBD for several voting places located in the area prone to Mount Semeru's eruptions.

“We have coordinated with the Lumajang BPBD to ask for help in case a Mount Semeru eruption occurs during voting day on February 14, 2024,” she stated.

Villages within the Mount Semeru eruption red zone are Supiturang Village in Pronojiwo Sub-district and Sumberwuluh Village in Candipuro Sub-district.

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Translator: Zumrotun S, Yuni Arisandy
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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