Mount Semeru’s Volcanic Activity Shows Signs of Decline

Lumajang: Volcanic activity at Mount Semeru has shown signs of weakening after the eruption that occurred on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Despite the decline, authorities are urging residents to avoid high-risk zones as conditions around the volcano remain unstable.

Monitoring on Thursday morning indicated that seismic activity, pyroclastic flows, and eruptive bursts had dropped significantly compared to the peak activity recorded on Wednesday afternoon, according to observations from the Mount Semeru monitoring post quoted by Metro TV on November 20.

Even so, thick white smoke and a strong sulfur odor continue to rise from pyroclastic deposits along Besuk Kobokan. Officials warn that additional pyroclastic flows and incandescent lava could still occur along rivers originating from Semeru’s summit.

Residents have been advised to stay clear of disaster-prone areas until the situation stabilizes.

Meanwhile, dozens of people from Supit Urang Village in Pronojiwo District have begun returning to inspect their heavily damaged homes. The eruption and subsequent lava floods destroyed not only houses but also public facilities, including schools and prayer rooms.

Warm volcanic materials—rocks, sand, and debris—have buried buildings and cut off road access in several areas. More than a thousand residents remain in evacuation shelters. The number of victims affected by the pyroclastic flow has increased to three, with several others reported injured.