JAKARTA — Indonesian authorities have evacuated more than 900 residents and are assisting the safe return of 170 climbers who were stranded after Mount Semeru erupted multiple times on Wednesday, sending towering ash clouds and molten debris rushing down its slopes.
Officials confirmed that the country’s highest alert level remains in place after the volcano — one of the tallest and most active on Java island — erupted 10 times in a single day, ejecting massive plumes of ash and triggering lava flows that traveled up to 8 miles.
Climbers Guided to Safety
The stranded climbers were trapped overnight at a lakeside campsite near the base of the mountain. On Thursday, rescue teams guided them down the route to safety.
“All climbers and their guides are safe. The situation is under control,” Septi Wardhani of Semeru National Park told Reuters.
Footage released by Indonesia’s volcanology agency showed dense, hot ash clouds rising high above the crater and blanketing surrounding terrain.
Communities Moved to Shelters
East Java’s rescue agency deployed dozens of personnel to support the evacuation effort. At least 956 residents living near the volcano have been relocated to temporary shelters in schools, mosques, and government buildings.
“We’ve also deployed personnel to check whether any residents remain trapped,” agency official Prahista Dian said.
History of Violent Eruptions
Mount Semeru, standing 2.28 miles high, is one of Indonesia’s approximately 130 active volcanoes. The nation sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a major seismic zone where tectonic activity frequently triggers earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
The volcano’s last major eruption occurred in December 2021, killing at least 51 people and burying several villages in ash.
Authorities continue to monitor Semeru closely as rescue operations and evacuations remain underway.
