Over 900 evacuated as Mount Semeru erupts in Indonesia

Indonesian authorities evacuated more than 900 people and were assisting the safe return of 170 climbers stranded after the eruption of Mount Semeru, one of the country’s tallest volcanoes.

The alert level remained at its highest following Semeru’s 10 eruptions on November 19. The volcano, located on Java island, emitted massive ash plumes and sent lava and rocks up to 13 km (8.08 miles) down its slopes, officials said, quoted by Reuters.

The stranded climbers had spent the night at a lakeside camping area about 6.4 km from the crater but were now being escorted to safety, according to Septi Wardhani, an official at Semeru National Park. “All climbers with their guides are safe. The situation is under control,” Wardhani told Reuters. Footage from Indonesia’s volcanology agency showed a massive cloud of hot ash blanketing the volcano’s slopes.

Semeru’s last major eruption occurred in December 2021, killing at least 51 people and covering nearby villages in ash. Standing at 3,676 m (2.28 miles), Mount Semeru is one of about 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia, which lies on the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” a seismically active zone where tectonic plates meet, generating frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.

East Java’s rescue agency deployed dozens of personnel to assist with the evacuation. According to agency official Prahista Dian, 956 residents living near the volcano were moved to schools, mosques, and government buildings. “We’ve also deployed personnel to check whether any residents are still trapped,” he added.

By Tamilla Hasanova