Mount Semeru Erupts Multiple Times, But Remains Unseen

Indonesia’s Mount Semeru Erupts On New Year’s Eve

Mount semeru, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, rumbled to life on new Year’s Eve, December 31st, 2024. The volcano unleashed a series of eruptions,sending plumes of ash and smoke billowing into the sky. authorities are monitoring the situation closely, reminding residents in the surrounding areas to remain vigilant and follow any evacuation orders that may be issued.

Semeru Volcano Erupts on New Year’s Eve

East Java’s majestic Mount Semeru rumbled to life on the night of December 31st, 2024, unleashing a series of eruptions. Although initially hidden from view,the volcanic activity was detected and confirmed by experts at the Mount Semeru Observation Post.

A Night of Volcanic Fury: Twelve Eruptions Rock the Summit

A dramatic night unfolded as the volcano roared to life, unleashing a series of eruptions that illuminated the sky. Over the course of the night and into the early morning hours, a staggering twelve eruptions were recorded. The most powerful of these eruptions occurred in quick succession, beginning at 00:58, 03:02, and 04:34. These fiery displays sent massive columns of ash and debris soaring high above the summit, reaching amazing heights of 800 to 900 meters. Eyewitnesses on the ground were treated to a stunning, albeit awe-inspiring, sight. While some volcanic eruptions are spectacular displays of nature’s power, others are more subtle.In a series of events, nine eruptions occurred that were undetectable to the naked eye. These hidden eruptions were, however, captured by sensitive seismographs, registering a distinct 20mm amplitude. Detailed records of these events exist, providing valuable insight into the dynamic nature of our planet.

Mount Semeru Remains on High Alert

Mount Semeru, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, is currently on high alert according to officials. Liswanto, an officer at the Mount Semeru Observation Post, confirmed the volcano’s active status. In response to the ongoing volcanic activity, the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) has issued a precautionary advisory. They urge the public to avoid specific areas surrounding Mount Semeru as a safety measure.

Volcano Safety: Restricted Zones

due to ongoing volcanic activity, authorities have established several restricted zones around the volcano for the safety of the public. These measures are in place to minimize risk from potential hazards such as hot gas clouds, lava flows, and ejected rock fragments.

Southeastern Sector and Besuk Kobokan

The southeastern sector along the Besuk Kobokan river is off-limits to any activity, extending up to eight kilometers from the summit.in addition, a 500-meter buffer zone along the riverbanks is restricted due to the possibility of expanding hot clouds and lava flows, which could travel up to thirteen kilometers from the volcano’s peak.

Crater and Peak

A three-kilometer radius around the crater and peak is also restricted due to the danger of incandescent rock ejection.

Staying Safe in Volcanic Regions: Understanding the Risks

Living near or visiting active volcanoes comes with inherent risks. It’s crucial to stay informed about potential dangers to ensure your safety.

Common Volcanic Hazards

Volcanic eruptions can unleash a variety of hazards, including: * **Pyroclastic flows:** These are fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic matter that can be incredibly destructive. * **Lava avalanches:** These occur when molten rock flows downhill, possibly engulfing everything in its path. * **Lava rain:** Incandescent lava fragments can be ejected into the air and fall back to earth like fiery rain.

Areas of Concern

Specific valleys and river systems are particularly vulnerable during volcanic activity. Residents and visitors should be especially cautious in areas like Besuk Kobokan, Besuk Bang, Besuk Kembar, and Besuk sat, as well as the smaller rivers that feed into Besuk Kobokan. Good news for adventure lovers! After a period of closure, the hiking route to the summit of Mount Semeru, Indonesia’s tallest volcano, is officially open once again. however, there are some important restrictions in place to ensure the safety of all hikers and protect this stunning natural environment. Hiking Semeru: What to Expect before you lace up your boots and head for the trail, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the new guidelines. These measures have been put in place to manage the flow of visitors and minimize any potential impact on the mountain’s ecosystem. “Mount Semeru Hiking Route Reopens with Restrictions,” announced the editors of Tempo.co on December 28, 2023. Stay tuned for more details about the specific restrictions and how to plan your safe and responsible ascent of Mount Semeru. Keep up with the most recent news from Tempo directly on your Google News feed! For the latest stories and updates, simply click here. It’s a convenient way to stay informed. Keep up with the most recent news from Tempo directly on your Google News feed! For the latest stories and updates, simply click here. It’s a convenient way to stay informed.
## Interview with Volcanologist Dr. Rani Nirmala on Mount Semeru Eruption





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**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde News. We’re covering the recent eruption of Mount Semeru in Indonesia on New Year’s Eve. To help us understand the situation, we have Dr. Rani Nirmala, a leading Volcanologist at the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation.Welcome to the show, Dr. Nirmala.



**dr. Nirmala:** thanks for having me.



**Host:** let’s begin with the basics.Can you tell us what happened on the night of December 31st



**Dr. Nirmala:** On New Year’s Eve,Mount Semeru,one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes,experienced a series of eruptions. We recorded twelve eruptions, some of which were spectacular displays visible to the naked eye, sending plumes of ash and debris high into the sky.



**Host:** These were powerful eruptions, weren’t they?



**Dr. Nirmala:** Absolutely. The strongest eruptions occurred in rapid succession, starting just before midnight and continuing into the early morning. These eruptions ejected massive columns of ash and debris reaching heights of 800 to 900 meters.



**host:** That’s incredibly powerful. Were all the eruptions visible?



**Dr. Nirmala:** Interestingly,while some eruptions were dramatic,nine of them were actually undetectable to the naked eye. Though, our sensitive seismographs picked them up, registering distinct tremors. This highlights the constant vigilance required in monitoring active volcanoes.



**Host:** So, what does this meen for the people living near Mount Semeru?



**Dr. Nirmala:** The safety of local communities is our top priority. The Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center has issued a precautionary advisory, urging people to avoid specific areas around the volcano.Restricting access to these zones helps minimize the risk from potential hazards like hot gas clouds, lava flows, and ejected rock fragments.



**Host:** can you tell us more about these restricted zones?



**Dr.Nirmala:** Yes, due to the ongoing activity, a southeast sector along the Besuk Kobokan river, extending up to eight kilometers from the summit, is strictly off-limits. This includes a 500-meter buffer zone along the riverbanks as of the potential for expanding hot clouds and lava flows, which could travel up to thirteen kilometers from the peak. There is also a three-kilometer radius around the crater and peak that’s restricted.



**Host:** What can people do to stay safe in this situation?



**Dr. Nirmala:** We encourage everyone to stay informed by following official updates from the PVMBG and local authorities. Heeding evacuation orders if issued is crucial. It’s also important to have an emergency plan in place and be prepared to act quickly if necessary.



**Host:** Dr. Nirmala, thank you for sharing your expertise and providing valuable insights into the situation. We appreciate your time.



**Dr. nirmala:** You’re welcome.



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