Mount Semeru Erupts Again Today, Ash Column Reaches 800 Meters

Mount Semeru in East Java erupted again on Friday (26/1/2024) at 22:53 WIB. In the last week, Mount Semeru has erupted 26 times.

According to eruption information from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) via the MAGMA Indonesia application, the ash column height was observed to reach 800 meters above the peak (4,476 meters above sea level).

The ash column was observed to be white to gray with thick intensity towards the northeast and east. The eruption was recorded on a seismograph with a maximum amplitude of 22 millimeters and a duration of 156 seconds.

According to the MAGMA Indonesia volcano activity report, Mount Semeru's activity level is at Level III (Alert). Seismic observations on January 26, 2024, from 12:00 to 18:00 WIB showed 21 eruption quakes with amplitudes of 18-22 millimeters and durations of 64-147 seconds.

Then, there was 1 rockfall quake with an amplitude of 4 mm and a duration of 52 seconds, and 2 emission quakes with amplitudes of 5-7 millimeters and durations of 46-50 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, people should not engage in activities within 500 meters of the riverbank (river boundary) along Besuk Kobokan due to the potential for the expansion of pyroclastic flows and lava flows up to 17 kilometers from the peak.

During 2024, MAGMA Indonesia has recorded 121 volcanic eruptions/eruptions throughout Indonesia. Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Nusa Tenggara had the most eruptions (48 times), while Mount Semeru erupted 17 times.