Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Five Mount across Indonesia erupted on Thursday, November 7, 2024, prompting authorities to issue warnings to nearby residents about heightened volcanic activity and mount eruption.
The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) reported eruptions from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, Mount Semeru, Mount Marapi, Mount Ibu, and Mount Dukono, urging people to stay vigilant as the volcanic activity continues to escalate.
Based on reports, here is a summary of volcanic eruptions occurring across various regions.
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Nusa Tenggara
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki experienced multiple eruptions on Thursday, with the first eruption recorded at 6:25 AM local time. Ash plumes reached up to 2,500 meters above the summit, equivalent to an elevation of 4,084 meters above sea level. The eruption was accompanied by pyroclastic flows extending 1,000 meters northwest from the crater.
PVMBG has raised the volcano’s alert status to Level IV (Awas), indicating the highest level of danger. Authorities have prohibited any activities within a 7-kilometer radius of the eruption site, warning of potential lahar floods if heavy rains occur.
Mount Semeru in East Java
Mount Semeru in Lumajang, East Java, has erupted 12 times between 5:30 AM and 9:09 AM on Thursday. The eruptions produced ash columns that soared 1,000 meters above its summit, reaching a height of 4,676 meters above sea level.
The volcano remains at alert status level II (Waspada). Authorities are urging residents to avoid the 8-kilometer danger zone surrounding the summit and to remain cautious of hot clouds, lava flows, and lahars along the Semeru River.
Mount Marapi in West Sumatra
Mount Marapi, located in the Agam and Tanah Datar regencies of West Sumatra, saw its alert status upgraded from Level II (Waspada) to Level III (Siaga) on November 6 at 3:00 PM local time. The volcano erupted again on Thursday at 11:19 AM, sending ash columns up to 700 meters above its peak, or 3,591 meters above sea level. The ash plume was observed drifting eastward with thick intensity.
Geological experts have warned that Mount Marapi’s activity is on the rise, with eruptions likely as the volcano releases accumulated energy. Residents, hikers, and tourists are advised to maintain a 4.5-kilometer exclusion zone around the Verbeek Crater.
Mount Dukono in North Maluku
Mount Dukono in Halmahera, North Maluku erupted on Thursday morning at 9:06 AM. The mount eruption sent ash plumes 1,200 meters above the crater, reaching an altitude of 2,287 meters above sea level.
The volcanic activity remains ongoing, with authorities enforcing a 3-kilometer exclusion zone around the Malupang Warirang Crater.
Mount Ibu in North Maluku
Mount Ibu erupted on Friday, November 8, at 7:03 AM local time, producing an ash column that rose 1,000 meters above the summit, bringing the total height to 2,325 meters above sea level. The monitoring post has set the volcano’s alert level at III (Siaga).
Mount Ibu Officials have restricted any activities within a 4-kilometer radius of the eruption site, extending up to 7 kilometers toward the north where the crater’s opening faces. Residents are also advised to wear masks and goggles when venturing outdoors due to falling ash.
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Warnings and Safety Measures
As Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the country is prone to frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. The PVMBG has issued advisories to local communities, urging them to remain vigilant, especially given the possibility of further eruptions in the coming days. Safety measures include avoiding designated danger zones around each volcano, monitoring updates from authorities, and using protective gear to guard against ashfall.
The government continues to monitor the situation closely and advises against unnecessary travel to the affected regions. Emergency response teams are on standby to assist with any potential evacuations if conditions worsen.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to heed all warnings from local authorities as Indonesia grapples with this surge in volcanic activity.
(Raidi/Agung)
