JAKARTA, April 6 — Mount Semeru in East Java erupted seven times on Monday morning, with ash columns rising between 300m and 1,100m above the summit.
ANTARA News Agency reported that the first eruption was recorded at 12.38am local time with an ash column spewing about 1,000m, while the highest eruption occurred at 6.51am, sending ash up to 1,100m above the summit.
Mount Semeru Observation Post officer Liswanto stated that the seventh eruption occurred at 9.29am with no visual plume observed.
The volcano currently remains at Level III (Alert) status.
Meanwhile, Mount Dukono in North Halmahera also erupted this morning, ejecting volcanic ash up to 1,000m above its summit.
Dukono Volcano Observation Post officer Bambang Sugiono said the volcano’s activity has been increasing since Monday (March 30), after nearly seven months of relative inactivity.
The latest eruption lasted 49.69 seconds, with the ash plume observed to be white to grey, with thick, drifting intensity drifting westward.
He added that Mount Dukono, which stands at 1,087m above sea level, is currently at Level II (Alert) status.
Authorities have advised residents and visitors not to approach Malupang Warirang Crater within a 4km radius.
They also warned that ashfall areas may vary depending on wind direction and speed, and urged nearby communities to wear masks to protect against respiratory hazards from volcanic ash.
