Mount Semeru Erupts 10 Times in Indonesia, Stranding Climbers & Triggering Mass Evacuation on Java Island

Mount Semeru Erupts Ten Times, Triggering Mass Evacuation and Climber Rescue in Indonesia

Indonesia's Mount Semeru, one of the nation's tallest and most active volcanoes, erupted a staggering ten times on Wednesday, prompting a swift response from authorities. The series of powerful eruptions forced the evacuation of over 900 residents living near the volcano on Java island and left 170 climbers stranded overnight, though all were successfully brought to safety by Thursday.

The dramatic volcanic activity saw massive plumes of ash billow into the sky, while lava and rocks spewed an astonishing 13 kilometers (8.08 miles) down the volcano's slopes. The alert level for Mount Semeru, which stands at 3,676 meters (2.28 miles) high, has been maintained at its highest, signaling ongoing significant danger.

Climbers Rescued as Evacuation Efforts Continue

National park officials confirmed that the stranded climbers, along with their guides, were safe after being trapped at a lakeside camping area situated about 6.4 km from the crater. Septi Wardhani, an official at Semeru national park, reassured the public, stating, "All climbers with their guides are safe. The situation is under control."

Footage released by Indonesia's volcanology agency vividly captured the colossal cloud of hot ash engulfing the volcano's slopes. This latest event draws comparisons to Semeru's last major eruption in December 2021, which tragically claimed at least 51 lives and blanketed nearby villages in thick ash.

Indonesia's Volcanic Landscape

Indonesia's location on the "Pacific Ring of Fire" — a highly seismically active zone where tectonic plates converge, leading to frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity — explains its abundance of volcanoes. Mount Semeru is one of approximately 130 active volcanoes across the archipelago.

Rescue agencies in East Java mobilized dozens of personnel to assist in the evacuation efforts. Prahista Dian, an agency official, confirmed that 956 people from communities close to Semeru have been relocated to safer havens like schools, mosques, and government buildings. Search operations are also underway to ensure no residents remain trapped in the affected areas.