[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Kwang-ho] The Semeru volcano in East Java Province, Indonesia, has started erupting again after one year, prompting evacuation orders for nearby residents. This large-scale eruption of Semeru volcano comes exactly one year after the previous one.
The Indonesian National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) announced on the 4th (local time) at 2:46 a.m. that Semeru volcano began eruptive activity, emitting volcanic ash. The eruption spewed volcanic ash up to 1.5 km high from the summit, and lava flowed in some areas.
BNPB stated, "Eight explosions were detected from midnight to 6 a.m. today," and warned that no activities should be conducted within 5 km of the crater. They also reported no damages from this eruption so far but urged nearby residents to be cautious as volcanic ash may fall and lava may flow.
The volcanic alert level (levels 1 to 4) remained at level 3. Local Kompas TV broadcasted emergency news, reporting that residents were evacuating to avoid the volcano.
Previously, on December 4 last year, Semeru volcano erupted, covering nearby villages with volcanic ash. This incident resulted in 50 deaths.
Meanwhile, the Japan Meteorological Agency warned that after the large-scale volcanic eruption in Indonesia, tsunamis could occur on Miyako Island and Yaeyama Islands in southern Okinawa.
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