Learning from Semeru Eruption

More than 10,000 residents had to evacuate, taking with them what they could salvage from their homes.

KOMPAS/AGUS SUSANTO

Residents from the slopes of Mount Semeru took refuge at the Office of the Head of Penanggal Village, Candipuro District, Lumajang Regency, East Java, Sunday (5/12/2021).

Mount Semeru erupted without warning. The highest mountain on Java, which for some people is considered sacred, showed its wrath, leaving humans helpless.

Semeru roared on Saturday (4/12/2021) at 2:50 p.m., spewing vast quantities of ash into the sky to form a giant column of hot cloud and cause the residents to run in fear. Along with heavy rains, volcanic ash fell down, destroying residents' homes and causing lava flows down the rivers and valleys.