Semeru volcano (East Java, Indonesia): massive block and ash flow creates billowing ash plume

View of the pyroclastic flow at Semeru volcano this afternoon (image: Pasek Made / facebook)

The volcano had a significant eruptive phase this afternoon. Starting at around 17:24 local time, a pyroclastic flow was observed that traveled a distance of approx. 4500 m, according to Indonesia’s Civil Defense Agency BNPB.

The hot avalanche was likely caused by collapses of parts of the lava dome and/or upper parts of the lava flow on the steep southern slope of the volcano. Associated ash plumes rose to an altitude of 5500 m above sea level.
The volcanologists at the observatory registered a corresponding seismic signal with up to 22 mm amplitude that lasted for the considerable long period of 4287 seconds (approx. 1 hour 20 mins).

Telah terjadi Awan Panas Guguran (APG) Gunung Semeru dengan jarak luncur kurang lebih 4,5 KM pada Sabtu (16/1) pkl 17.24 WIB. #Semeru #InfoBencana #BNPBIndonesia pic.twitter.com/H6ndVbLU1w

— BNPB Indonesia (@BNPB_Indonesia) January 16, 2021

Another impressive video can be found on Pasek Made’s page on facebook, from where the attached image stems.