Mount Semeru, the highest peak on Java Island, showed significant volcanic activity again this morning. A thick column of ash was observed rising one kilometer above the summit, or approximately 4,676 meters above sea level, precisely at 05:13 WIB.
An officer at the Mount Semeru Observation Post, Yadi Yuliandi, confirmed that the eruption was clearly recorded by seismograph equipment. Based on technical data gathered, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) currently maintains the volcano's activity status at Level III (Alert), along with a series of strict recommendations for residents around disaster-prone areas.
Responding to this situation, the Lumajang Regency Government issued a stern warning to the public, particularly sand mining operators. The main threat highlighted by the government is the presence of residual deposit material from previous eruptions that still retains extreme heat, despite visually appearing calm.
Regent of Lumajang, Indah Amperawati, emphasized that these sand deposits pose a life-threatening risk if precautions are not taken. She stressed that high rainfall in upstream areas could trigger dangerous thermal contact, potentially causing secondary explosions and increasing the risk of cold lava flows moving downstream.
The public is urged to remain vigilant and continuously monitor the latest information from the official observation post. Compliance with the exclusion zones established by the PVMBG is crucial to minimizing the risk of casualties amid the fluctuating volcanic activity of Mount Semeru.
