Mount Semeru Erupts: Pyroclastic Flow Travels 5 km Ash Rises 2 km

Post by : Mina Carter

Mount Semeru erupted at 10:25 p.m. local time, producing a pyroclastic flow that traveled around 5 km from the summit. The eruption column reached approximately 2,000 meters above the peak, or 5,676 meters above sea level.

Authorities reported that the ash column appeared white to gray, with thicker concentrations toward the east and southeast. The eruption was recorded on seismographs with a maximum amplitude of 27 mm and lasted 696 seconds.

The volcano remains at Level III (Alert). The public is strongly advised to avoid all activities in the southeastern sector along Besuk Kobokan, within 13 km of the summit. Beyond this zone, people should stay at least 500 meters away from the riverbanks of Besuk Kobokan due to risks of pyroclastic and lava flows, which could extend up to 17 km from the crater.

Residents are also warned of potential lava and pyroclastic flows in rivers and valleys originating from Mount Semeru, including Besuk Kobokan, Besuk Bang, Besuk Kembar, Besuk Sat, and smaller tributaries of Besuk Kobokan. Areas within a five km radius of the crater remain highly dangerous due to the risk of ejected incandescent rocks.

Jan. 12, 2026 3:03 p.m. 205

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