Mount Semeru Erupts in Indonesia, 54,000ft Ash Cloud Prompts Evacuations and Flight Warnings
East Java, Indonesia: Mount Semeru, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, erupted on Tuesday morning, sending a massive ash plume 54,000ft (16,460 meters) into the sky, prompting urgent evacuation warnings and a flight safety alert issued by Australia.
The first explosion occurred at 4:10 am Western Indonesian Time, producing a thick grey ash column. Seismographs recorded the eruption with a maximum amplitude of 22 mm and a duration of 142 seconds. Subsequent eruptions followed at 5:09 am and 6:05 am, reinforcing concerns over the volcano’s activity.
Safety Warnings and Evacuations
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area within a three-kilometer radius of the crater. Mount Semeru officials warned of the risk of ejected incandescent rocks, lava avalanches, and pyroclastic flows, which could pose serious danger to nearby communities.
Mukdas Sofian, an officer at the Mount Semeru Observation Post, said, “We urge the public to avoid activities within a three-kilometer radius of the crater or summit, due to the potential hazards from flying rocks and lava flows.”
Aviation Alert
The Australia Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) issued a red aviation warning following the eruption, alerting airlines and pilots to avoid the affected airspace. Aviation experts emphasize that volcanic ash at such high altitudes can severely impact aircraft engines and safety.
Ongoing Monitoring
Volcanologists continue to monitor Mount Semeru closely, tracking seismic activity, ash plumes, and lava flows. Residents in the region have been advised to remain alert and follow evacuation orders issued by local authorities.
The eruption underscores Indonesia’s vulnerability to volcanic hazards, as the country sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” home to some of the world’s most active and dangerous volcanoes.
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