24 Mar 2023 | 01:30 PM UTC
Indonesia: Volcanic mudslide from Mount Semeru in East Java Province damages homes in nearby village March 24
Volcanic mudslide from Mount Semeru in East Java Province, Indonesia, causes damage March 24. Further volcanic hazards possible.
Event
A volcanic mudslide at Mount Semeru in East Java Province caused damage to homes in a nearby village on March 24. The volcano is around 80 km (50 miles) south-southeast of Sidoarjo, East Java Province. Rainfall triggered a flow of volcanic material known as lahar that struck at least five homes in the village of Sumberwuluh, located around 15 km (9 miles) southeast of the crater. The lahar also reportedly affected a mosque in another settlement further to the southeast. No casualties have been reported in the incident; damage assessments are ongoing as of late March 24. Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BKMG) has warned that further moderate-to-heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong wind gusts is forecast across much of East Java Province through at least March 26. Heavy downpours could trigger further sudden lahars along creeks and river beds around Mount Semeru.
An exclusion zone of a 5 km (3 miles) radius remains in force around the active volcano's summit. Locals are also advised not to carry out activities within 13 km (8 miles) from the summit in the southeastern sector along the Besuk Kobokan River or within 500 meters (1,640 feet) of the river bank up to a distance of 17 km (11 miles) due to the threat of pyroclastic and lava flows. Residents should be vigilant for potential pyroclastic flows, lava flows, and landslides along rivers and valleys on the flanks of Mount Semeru, especially along the Besuk Kobokan and its tributaries, Besuk Bang, Besuk Kembar, and Besuk Sat.
Plan for possible transport disruptions in the surrounding area, especially if a significant eruption occurs. Road conditions could quickly deteriorate during periods of substantial ashfall, and visibility could be reduced. Officials might close roads near the volcano depending on the presence of hazardous volcanic material.
Further significant eruptions could lead to airport closures, flight delays, and cancellations at Malang's Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport (MLG); MLG is around 30 km (19 miles) northwest of the volcano. Indonesia's Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) maintains an orange warning for Mount Semeru, the second-highest of four levels, indicating that further eruptions could impact flight activity. VONA may issue new warnings in the coming hours or days due to the most recent eruption.
Health
Volcanic activity may impact air quality in areas of East Java Province surrounding Mount Semeru, especially Lumajang and Malang regencies. Following an explosive event, air quality could become a concern, particularly in areas near the crater. Individuals in the region - especially those with underlying pulmonary conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - may experience difficulty breathing and suffer from lower tolerance to physical exertion.
Advice
In the event of further 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.
