ndonesian Mount Serumu Erupts on Wednesday 19th November 2025. Image credit: Agus Harianto
(The Post News) – Mount Semeru, the highest peak on Java Island in Indonesia, erupted on Wednesday. The eruption occurred on 29th November 2025. Falling ash covered most surrounding villages. This resulted in forced evacuations. Authorities issued a high level of alert.
Indonesia’s Geology Agency confirmed that the Mount Semeru in the East Java Province unleashed dark clouds of hot ash. The ash was mixed with rock, gas, and lava. The hot mixture traveled 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) down its slope multiple times from midday to sunset. Thick clouds had risen 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) into the horizon.
The eruptions continued throughout the day. They forced authorities to raise the volcanic alert level twice. It ascended from the third-highest to the highest. There have been no reported casualties.
According to National Disaster agency spokesperson, Abdul Muhari, over 300 high-risk district residents were relocated to government shelters. Authorities imposed expansions on the danger zone to 8 km following Mount Semeru’s incident. People were cautioned to avoid the Beskuk Kobokan River area where lava and hot gas flowed.
Social media videos showed thick ash rushing through a valley as dust-covered residents took refuge in shelters and safer areas. Local media report rescuers are having difficulties. They are trying to reach 178 stranded people at the Ranu Kumbolo monitoring post on Mount Semeru. The group includes climbers, guides, tourism officials, and porters.
Spokesperson for Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park confirmed safety at the post, located 4.5 km from the crater on the Northern slope. This is described as an area away from the path of hot clouds moving in the South-Eastern direction. Unfavorable weather conditions compelled them to stay overnight.
Mount Semeru’s History in Disaster Sense
Semeru, typically known as “Mahameru” has a history of eruptions over the past two centuries. Like many out of the 129 active Indonesian Volcanoes, it is known as “home” by thousands. These people live on its fertile slopes.
The volcano’s most recent eruption occurred in December 2021 and claimed the lives of 51 people. Hundreds suffered injuries occurred several villages were buried in mud. Roughly 10 000 residents were evacuated from their homes and the government allocated rough 3000 homes from the danger zone.
Indonesia is a nation with a population of over 280 million. It is spread across many islands and is located on the “Pacific Ring of Fire.” This makes it highly susceptible to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
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