Lumajang, El Sky News — Mount Semeru has shown renewed volcanic activity, prompting authorities to raise its status to Level IV (Highest Alert) following a significant eruption on 19 November 2025.
According to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), around 300 residents from several villages on the slopes of Semeru have been evacuated. Residents from Supiturang, Oro-Oro Ombo, and Penanggal villages were moved to temporary shelters, including village halls and schools.
Eruption Details
- The eruption occurred at 4:00 PM local time, producing an ash column reaching up to 2,000 meters above the summit.
- Pyroclastic flows extended up to 7 kilometers from the peak, according to BNPB reports.
- Authorities raised the alert level to Level IV at 5:00 PM after monitoring indicated unstable volcanic activity.
Official Warnings and Recommendations
The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) strongly advises the public not to engage in activities within an 8 km radius from the crater. Residents in the southeastern sector, particularly along the Besuk Kobokan flow, are urged to stay clear due to potential pyroclastic flows, lava, and hot rock ejection.
Recent Volcanic Activity
- 6 November 2025: Eruption with ash column reaching 1,000 meters.
- 10 November 2025: Eruption with ash reaching 800 meters, seismograph recorded amplitudes up to 22 mm and duration over 2 minutes.
- 14 November 2025: Another eruption, ash column 800 meters high, eruption duration up to 119 seconds.
Emergency Response
In response, the local government declared a State of Emergency in Lumajang from 19 to 26 November 2025. BNPB teams and local authorities continue to monitor Semeru’s activity and assist with the evacuation of affected residents
