Mount Semeru Erupts Again Tonight, Eruption Height Approximately 700 Meters

Mount Semeru in East Java erupted again on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 00:39 WIB (Western Indonesian Time). In the last week, Mount Semeru has erupted 34 times.

Based on eruption information from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) via the MAGMA Indonesia application, the observed ash column height reached 700 meters above the peak or 4,376 meters above sea level.

The ash column was observed to be white to gray with thick intensity towards the northwest. The eruption was recorded on a seismograph with a maximum amplitude of 23 millimeters and a duration of 119 seconds.

According to the MAGMA Indonesia volcano activity report, Mount Semeru's activity level is at Level III (Alert). Observations of seismic activity on May 19, 2024, from 18:00 to 23:59 WIB, showed 17 eruption quakes with amplitudes of 13-22 millimeters and durations of 100-135 seconds.

Furthermore, there were 2 rockfall quakes with amplitudes of 6-9 mm and durations of 40-45 seconds, and 1 deep volcanic quake with an amplitude of 6 millimeters, s-p 1.52 seconds, and a duration of 11 seconds.

PVMBG advises against any activity in the southeast sector along Besuk Kobokan, up to 13 kilometers from the peak (eruption center). Outside this distance, the public should not engage in activities within 500 meters of the riverbank (river buffer zone) along Besuk Kobokan due to the potential for pyroclastic flow and lava flows extending up to 17 kilometers from the peak.

During 2024, MAGMA Indonesia has recorded 727 volcanic eruptions/eruptions throughout Indonesia. Mount Semeru in East Java has experienced the most eruptions, with 268 recorded events.