Indonesia: Further volcanic activity possible at Mount Semeru in East Java Province as of Jan. 19 /update 1

Event

Additional volcanic activity remains possible at Mount Semeru in East Java Province after Indonesia's Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) downgraded the warning level from orange, the second-highest of four levels, to yellow, the third-highest level, as of Jan. 19. Under a yellow warning level, officials are advising against any activity within 1 km (0.6 miles) from the crater. Authorities may adjust the warning level or 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 Malang's Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport (MLG), which is around 30 km (19 miles) northwest of the volcano. 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 areas of East Java Province surrounding Mount Semeru, especially Lumajang and Malang 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 80 km (50 miles) south-southeast 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)