Mount Semeru Erupts in Java Hundreds Evacuated Amid Volcanic Ash

Mount Semeru, an active volcano in eastern Java, Indonesia, erupted on Wednesday afternoon, sending ash and volcanic gas more than 13 kilometres (eight miles) into the sky. The eruption caused damage to houses and at least one school, prompting authorities to evacuate nearly 190 people from the volcano’s slopes and set up temporary shelters for hundreds more.

The eruption occurred around mid-afternoon, creating dense darkness in nearby areas. Many residents described the event as frightening. Faiz Ramadhani, a local resident, said the eruption felt like midnight even though it was only 4 PM. Volcanic ash and rock fragments partially buried some homes, while one elementary school was completely flattened. Nurul Yakin Pribadi, head of Supiturang village, reported that his house had been covered by a metre-high layer of volcanic material.

By Thursday, volcanic activity had calmed but was still fluctuating, according to the Indonesian Geological Agency. Disaster management authorities confirmed that nearly 900 people were staying in shelters set up in schools, mosques, and village halls. Many people chose to remain in shelters overnight due to fear and trauma from the eruption.

Three people reportedly suffered burns, and rescue operations continued for hikers stranded at campsites near the volcano. Rudijanto Tjahja Nugraha, head of Semeru National Park, said evacuations were ongoing to ensure safety.

Mount Semeru has a deadly history. Its 2021 eruption killed over 50 people and damaged more than 5,000 homes, leaving almost 10,000 people homeless. Indonesia, part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” has nearly 130 active volcanoes due to tectonic plate movements, making the region prone to frequent volcanic and seismic activity.

Authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage and have urged residents to stay alert and follow safety instructions as volcanic activity continues to fluctuate.