Indonesian authorities successfully assisted more than 170 climbers stranded during Mount Semeru’s sudden eruption on Wednesday, as seismic activity suggested the volcanic eruption would persist. The climbers, including tourists, guides, and porters, were ascending the 3,676-meter peak in East Java’s Lumajang district when they became trapped at the Ranu Kumbolo camping area. Priatin Hadi Wijaya, head of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation, confirmed their safety during a video news conference. Hetty Triastuty, another official, noted that Ranu Kumbolo lies outside the primary danger zone, though climbers may have been exposed to volcanic ash. The eruption unleashed pyroclastic flows and incandescent avalanches, with hot ash and gas traveling up to 13 kilometers down the slopes. Authorities raised the volcano’s alert to the highest level, warning residents to avoid the Besuk Kobokan River area. Nearly 1,000 villagers were evacuated, and while no casualties were reported, two motorcyclists suffered severe burns from hot ash. Mount Semeru, part of Indonesia’s volatile ‘Ring of Fire,’ has a history of deadly eruptions, including one in December 2021 that claimed 51 lives.
Volcano eruption forces the rescue of more than 170 climbers on Indonesia’s Mount Semeru
