Mount Semeru volcano erupts 7 times, raising concerns in Indonesia
East Java, Indonesia, experienced intense and alarming volcanic activity as Mount Semeru , located on the border between Lomajang and Malang regencies, erupted seven times in just three hours. This series of eruptions spewed thick columns of volcanic ash to heights ranging from 300 to 800 meters above the mountain's summit, prompting authorities to closely monitor the situation.
Details of sequential volcanic activity
According to the Mount Semeru Observatory, as reported by the Indonesian news agency Antara, the volcanic activity began at 4:58 AM, with the first eruption sending a 500-meter-high column of ash that drifted northeast. The volcano was not quiet for long, as a second eruption followed at 6:10 AM, reaching a height of 700 meters. At 6:56 AM, a third eruption occurred, producing a 300-meter-high column of grayish-white ash.
Indonesia and the Ring of Fire: An Important Geological Context
This event is not isolated from Indonesia's geological nature, as the Indonesian archipelago lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire. This region is a vast arc of geological fault lines characterized by extremely high seismic and volcanic activity due to the movement of tectonic plates. Indonesia alone has approximately 130 active volcanoes, making it one of the most volcanically active countries in the world.
Mount Semero: The Active Giant and a History of Upheavals
Mount Semeru, or "Mahameru" (Great Mountain), is known as the highest peak on the island of Java, reaching 3,676 meters above sea level. This volcano holds special significance and has a long history of activity; in December 2021, it experienced a violent eruption that killed dozens and displaced thousands, making any new activity a source of concern for authorities and local residents.
Event effects and safety measures
Although the current eruptions have not resulted in any reported immediate casualties, Indonesian authorities typically raise the alert level and prohibit residents and tourists from approaching the volcano's crater within a 5-kilometer radius to avoid the risk of ejecta and toxic gases. Airlines are also warned of ash clouds that could affect air traffic in the region, and residents are advised to wear masks to avoid respiratory problems caused by falling ash.
