Inp.polri.go.id - Lumajang. Mount Semeru erupted at 5.41 pm on Saturday (20/4/2024), shooting a 1.5-kilometer-high ash column. 

The ash column appeared grayish, with thicker concentrations toward the southwest and west, according to Mount Semeru Observation Post officer Sigit Rian Alfian,

Recorded on a seismograph, the eruption had a maximum amplitude of 22 mm and lasted 110 seconds. Earlier that day, at 6.24 am, another eruption occurred, although its height wasn't observed during reporting, as reported by antaranews.com.

Since January 2024, there have been 181 recorded eruptions of Mount Semeru, which stands at 3,676 meters above sea level. It remains on Alert status. 

The Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Agency (PVMBG) advised local residents to refrain from activities within 13 km southeast of the peak and within 500 meters of riverbanks along Besuk Kobokan, due to potential hazards like hot clouds and lava flows. 

Within 5 km of the crater/peak, activities are prohibited due to the risk of falling rocks. Residents are also cautioned about potential hazards like hot clouds, lava flows, and lahars along river valleys originating from the peak.

(mg/inn/pr/nm)