"Mount Semeru erupted at 7:15 a.m. local time, with an ash column observed reaching approximately 1,200 meters above the summit, or 4,876 meters above sea level," Liswanto, an officer at the Mount Semeru Observation Post, remarked.
In a written report received in Lumajang, he noted that the ash columns appeared white to gray with moderate intensity and drifting southward as the report was compiled.
According to the observation officer, the tallest mountain on Java Island had already erupted at 4:20 a.m. local time earlier that day, spewing thick ash columns that rose 800 meters high. The 152-second eruption was recorded on a seismograph with a maximum amplitude of 22 mm.
The second eruption followed at 6:21 a.m. local time, although no visual data was recorded.
"Mount Semeru erupted again at 6:51 a.m. local time, sending ash columns about 600 meters above its peak," Liswanto remarked, noting that the thick ash drifted to the north and southwest.
Liswanto further stated that the volcano remains at danger status level II, or alert level, and that the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) has issued recommendations urging people to keep clear of an eight-kilometer radius from the summit.
Beyond that range, he said, residents are also advised not to engage in activities within 500 meters of the Besuk Kobokan riverbank, as this area is prone to hot clouds and lava flows that can reach up to 13 kilometers from the summit.
The officer also urged locals to remain alert for lava avalanches and rain-induced lahars that may flow along rivers and valleys originating from the summit.
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Translator: Zumrotun S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Arie Novarina
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