Mount Semeru erupts three times, spews ash up to 1,000 metres

This file picture shows Mount Semeru spewing smoke and ash in Lumajang on December 4, 2022. The volcano erupted three times on September 14, 2026, sending ash as high as 1,000 metres above its summit. — AFP pic

First Published: Monday, 14 Sep 2026 11:19 AM MYT

Last Modified: Monday, 14 Sep 2026 11:19 AM MYT

JAKARTA, Sept 14 — Mount Semeru in East Java erupted three times today morning, sending volcanic ash as high as 1,000 metres above its summit, Indonesian authorities said.

According to the Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Centre (PVMBG), the highest ash column was recorded during an eruption at 6.28am local time, reaching about 4,676 metres above sea level.

Based on data published on its website, the eruption lasted 140 seconds, following two earlier eruptions at 4.20am and 5.53am that sent ash columns about 500 metres and 800 metres above the summit, respectively.

Elsewhere in Indonesia, Mount Ibu in North Maluku erupted at 12.39am, sending a thick grey ash column about 200 metres above its summit and eastward.

PVMBG said the eruption lasted 53 seconds, while Mount Ili Lewotolok in East Nusa Tenggara erupted at 4.30am, producing an ash column about 200 metres above its summit.

The white ash column from Ili Lewotolok was observed moving northwest, and the eruption lasted 34 seconds. — Bernama