The Semeru volcano in Indonesia’s East Java province erupted six times on Sunday morning, spewing ash and smoke up to 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) high. The eruption occurred at 5:46 am local time, with the volcano currently at Level 3 alert status.
The Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) has warned people to stay away from the southeastern area of the volcano, specifically within 13 kilometers (8 miles) of the crater. The main crater is also off-limits within a 5-kilometer (3.11 miles) radius due to the risk of flying rocks.
Semeru, standing at 3,676 meters (12,060 feet) above sea level, is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, located in the Pacific Ring of Fire. The country is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, with over 120 active volcanoes.