Indonesia: Further volcanic activity likely at Mount Raung in Bondowoso, East Java as of Jan. 22

Event

Additional volcanic activity will likely occur at Mount Raung in Bondowoso Regency, East Java Province, in the coming days following several eruptions since Jan. 21. Indonesia's Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) has issued an orange warning level, the second-highest of four levels, as of Jan. 22. The volcanic activity produced ash plumes as high as 500 meters (0.3 miles); the wind is reportedly blowing the ash plumes eastward. Officials are advising against any activity within 2 km (1.2 miles) from the crater. Authorities may issue evacuation orders if any major volcanic activity, including cold lava flow, occurs.

Significant volcanic activity could lead to airport closures, flight delays, or cancellations at Banyuwangi International Airport (BWX) and Jember's Notohadinegoro Airport (JBB), both of which are located around 40 km (25 miles) from Mount Raung. Authorities may impose ground travel restrictions along roads in affected areas, as ashfall could reduce visibility and make streets slippery. Localized transport disruptions are possible.

Health
Any additional volcanic activity may impact air quality in the eastern areas of East Java Province surrounding Mount Raung, especially Bondowoso, Banyuwangi, Jember, and Situbondo regencies. Air quality could become a concern, particularly in areas near the crater, following an explosive event. Individuals in the region - especially those with underlying pulmonary conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - may experience difficulty breathing and could suffer from lower tolerance to physical exertion.

The volcano is around 165 km (102 miles) east-northeast of Sidoarjo.

Advice

In the event of further volcanic activity and eruptions, contact airlines for updated flight information; confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport. Avoid areas with heavy ash accumulations. If operating in areas affected by the ash cloud, consider remaining indoors in air-conditioned facilities when possible. Those who must be outdoors should use facemasks and observe other precautions to avoid ash inhalation. Drive defensively; seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas close to the volcano. Heed all official orders.

Resources

MAGMA Indonesia
Center for Research and Development of Geological Disaster Technology (BPPTKG) Twitter page (Indonesian)