Highest Danger Level Declared on Java After Eruption of Mount Semeru

The highest danger level was declared on the Indonesian island of Java after a new eruption of Mount Semeru. According to local services volcanic activity intensified in the middle of the day when Semeru emitted several columns of ash rocks and hot material. The observed ash cloud rose to a height of about two kilometers after which it spread to nearby areas. A dense layer of fallout formed over nearby villages which required the evacuation of residents. Authorities reported that about three hundred people living in the potential danger zone were evacuated. At the moment no casualties have been reported.

The country's volcanology services confirmed that Semeru's activity remains elevated and requires constant monitoring. A danger zone with a radius of eight kilometers was declared around the crater where people are prohibited from being present. Specialists note that lava emissions and hot clouds may continue in the near future because the volcano is characterized by frequent phases of activity. However available data indicate that the current direction of flows is the southern and southeastern sector which reduces risk for the observation post located north of the crater.

About one hundred seventy people remain in the area of the volcano who became stranded near an observation station on the slope of Semeru. These are mainly climbers and their guides who were on routes during the increase in volcanic activity. The post is located about four and a half kilometers from the crater in a zone where lava and hot clouds are not observed. Local services reported that there is no threat to the people there but their evacuation will be carried out after the situation stabilizes and confirmation of route safety is received. Coordination of rescue units continues as they assess options for the safe exit of the groups.

Semeru is the highest point on the island of Java and is considered one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. Regular eruptions have been observed for many years due to the tectonic structure of the region. Despite this thousands of people live on the slopes of the volcano because the local lands are fertile making them suitable for agriculture. Residents of areas near the volcano are accustomed to periodic ash emissions and temporary restrictions but major eruptions pose danger to settlements due to the possible spread of lava flows and collapses.

In December two thousand twenty one a strong eruption of Semeru led to the destruction of several settlements and caused the death of more than fifty people. At that time some areas were covered by dense pyroclastic flows which complicated the work of rescuers. After that the Indonesian authorities strengthened monitoring of volcanic activity and introduced additional measures to ensure faster response to changes in the volcano's condition. The current activity is considered serious but controlled thanks to timely warnings and the actions of services.

Civil defense authorities reported that they continue monitoring changes in Semeru's activity and are ready to expand evacuation zones if necessary. Protective equipment against ash continues to be distributed in the area and temporary shelters are being prepared for residents who may need refuge. Specialists emphasize that the situation remains dynamic and requires constant monitoring because the nature of volcanic activity may change within a short period. Additional data on the volcano's condition are expected to be published after analysis of observations.

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