Inp.polri.go.id - Lumajang.  Mount Semeru, located on the border between Lumajang and Malang regencies in East Java, erupted on Thursday, spewing ash 800 meters above its peak.

"The eruption occurred on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 07:41 WIB," said Sigit Rian Alfian, an official from the Semeru Observation Post, in a written statement received in Lumajang.

The eruption column was observed at approximately 800 meters above the summit, reaching an elevation of 4,476 meters above sea level (masl).

The ash plume was gray to black, with dense intensity blowing toward the southeast and south. The eruption was recorded on a seismograph with a maximum amplitude of 22 mm and lasted for 126 seconds.

Mount Semeru remains at an alert status, and the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) has issued several recommendations. The public is prohibited from conducting activities in the southeastern sector along Besuk Kobokan, within an eight-kilometer radius from the eruption center.

Outside this zone, activities are restricted to 500 meters from the riverbanks along Besuk Kobokan due to potential hazards from hot clouds and lahar flow extending up to 13 kilometers from the summit.

Residents are also advised to avoid activities within a three-kilometer radius of the crater due to the risk of falling volcanic rocks. Additionally, there is a need for caution regarding the potential for hot clouds, lava flows, and rain-induced lahars in river valleys originating from Mount Semeru, especially along Besuk Kobokan, Besuk Bang, Besuk Kembar, and Besuk Sat.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)