Loud Booms Heard From Mount Semeru, Residents Urged to Stay Calm - Tempo.co English
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Lumajang Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) urges the public not to panic at the booming sounds from Mount Semeru during eruptions, but to remain vigilant regarding the activity of Java's highest volcano.
Booming sounds emanating from Mount Semeru were heard again on Monday night, September 28. For communities living near the mountain's slopes, the noise was a reminder that the volcano is still active and that they must remain vigilant.
"A booming sound was heard around 9:01 PM WIB (Western Indonesia Time) and was captured by a CCTV camera belonging to the Lumajang BPBD in Supit Urang Village, Pronojiwo District. In the recording, the sound coincided with eruptive activity and a rising column of smoke above the Jonggring Saloko Crater," said Lumajang BPBD Chief Executive Isnugroho on Tuesday, as quoted by ANTARA.
According to him, Mount Semeru erupted on Monday at 9:01 PM WIB and made a booming sound. However, the event caused no impact, meaning the situation remained safe and without consequences.
Meanwhile, Sugiono, the coordinator of the Curah Kobokan observation post, stated that booming sounds from Mount Semeru have been heard quite intensely over the past two to three months.
According to him, booming sounds are usually heard after a pause in eruptive activity. This typically occurs after a sufficiently long lull in Semeru's eruptive phase.
Booming sounds can accompany volcanic activity. Therefore, such sounds cannot automatically be interpreted as a sign that conditions at Mount Semeru are deteriorating. Volcanic development activity must be assessed based on monitoring results and evaluations from the competent authorities.
Mount Semeru currently remains at Level III (Alert) status. Therefore, the public must continue to treat safety recommendations as the primary guideline for activities in the vicinity of the mountain.
Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Agency (PVMBG) has recommended that the public, as well as visitors and tourists, refrain from engaging in activities in the southeastern sector along Besuk Kobokan. This area extends up to 13 kilometers from the summit or eruption center.
"Beyond that distance, the public is also advised not to engage in activities within 500 meters of the riverbanks or riparian zones along Besuk Kobokan, as there is a potential for pyroclastic clouds and lahar flows to extend up to 17 kilometers from the summit," he said.
The public also needs to be vigilant regarding the potential for pyroclastic flows, lava avalanches, and lahars along river channels or valleys originating from Mount Semeru, particularly Besuk Kobokan, Besuk Bang, Besuk Kembar, and Besuk Sat.
For Lumajang residents, the most important point is not just whether or not they hear booming sounds, but that they understand Mount Semeru remains at "Alert" (Siaga) status. This means that community activities must continue to align with safety recommendations and the latest official information.
The public is advised not to panic upon hearing booming sounds, but also not to ignore them. Information about Semeru's activity should be obtained from the BPBD, the Semeru Volcano Observation Post, the Geological Agency/PVMBG, or other official government sources.
The public can continue their activities in an orderly manner while minimizing risk should Mount Semeru's activity levels change by understanding the information and adhering to established safety limits.
Read: Mount Semeru Erupts Again, Ash Column Reaches 1.3 Kilometers
