Indonesia’s Mount Semeru, the highest peak on Java, erupted violently on Wednesday (19 Nov) at 3.13pm Singapore time, sending towering plumes of ash and hot gas into the sky.
According to Antara News, the ash column rose about 2km above the summit.
Source: Tempo English
Indonesian authorities have since raised the alert level to its maximum tier, and more than 1,000 residents have been evacuated.
Source: National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure
Mount Semeru sits roughly 310km west of Bali, a popular holiday destination for Singaporeans.
In response to media queries, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said it is “monitoring the situation”.
The Indonesian Geological Agency reported that the volcano released pyroclastic flows — fast-moving clouds of scorching gas, rocks, and ash — travelling up to 7km down the mountain’s slopes.
Seismic activity remains high, officials said.
BNPB later noted that the pyroclastic flows from the eruption extended less than 13km.
Videos circulating online showed thick ash sweeping through forested valleys and across river channels.
Source: Ifa Olive on Facebook
While at least three people were injured, no fatalities have been reported so far.
Source: Batak Media on Facebook
Semeru’s last major eruption in 2021 killed more than 50 people and destroyed thousands of homes.
While the volcano is not on Bali itself, eruptions of this scale can occasionally affect air travel depending on wind direction and ash dispersion.
As of Thursday (20 Nov), operations at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport continue as normal.
However, the Indonesian Geological Agency has advised the public to avoid the southeastern sector along the Besuk Kobokan River within a 20km radius of the crater.
Source: Singapura Channel on Facebook
As Indonesia lies on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, authorities say conditions remain fluid.
Monitoring efforts continue as Semeru stays at the highest alert level.
Meanwhile, Singaporeans in the area should refer to MFA’s latest travel notice on Mount Semeru, including guidance on preparing for volcanic activity and potential flight disruptions.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
“Should there be flight or travel disruptions due to the eruptions, Singaporeans are advised to contact their travel insurance providers and airlines for assistance,” MFA said in a statement to MS News.
It added that no consular assistance requests related to the eruption have been received so far, but the ministry stands ready to assist.
Source: Singapura Channel on Facebook
Muhammad Wafid, head of Indonesia’s Geological Agency, said the recent spike in recorded earthquakes — including eruption, avalanche, and harmonic tremors — indicates sustained high activity.
“There has been an increase in avalanche earthquakes, which correlates with visual observations showing that incandescent lava avalanches are becoming more intense, flowing towards the Besuk Kobokan River,” he said.
Also read: At least 6 people killed in Bali floods caused by torrential rain, access to airport affected
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Featured image adapted from Batak Media on Facebook and Singapura Channel on Facebook.