Indonesian authorities have evacuated nearly 1,000 residents and successfully rescued over 170 stranded climbers following a series of massive eruptions from Mount Semeru on Wednesday.

The volcano, one of Indonesia's tallest mountains, erupted ten times in quick succession, prompting officials to maintain the highest alert level (Level IV: Warning).

The eruptions throughout Wednesday emitted massive plumes of ash and sent dangerous pyroclastic flows—a deadly mixture of hot ash, gas, and volcanic debris—racing down the slopes of the 3,676-meter (12,060-foot) volcano.

Magnitude: The eruption column rose up to 2 kilometers above the summit. Pyroclastic flows traveled as far as 7 to 13 kilometers down the slopes, forcing the widening of the danger zone to 8 kilometers from the crater.

Impact: The ash blanketed several villages in the Lumajang district of East Java, and authorities advised residents to avoid the area along the Besuk Kobokan River, which is the path of the lava flow.

No casualties have been officially reported so far, a positive outcome given the severity of the eruptions.

A total of 178 people, including 137 climbers, guides, and park officials, were confirmed to be safe and are being evacuated from the mountain. They were stuck overnight at the Ranu Kumbolo lakeside camping area—a location deemed safe and outside the main pyroclastic flow path—after being prevented from descending by bad weather.

A joint team deployed by East Java's rescue agency confirmed that 956 people living closest to the volcano have been moved to temporary shelters, including local schools, mosques, and government buildings.

The Lumajang District Government is preparing to implement an Emergency Response Status to ensure effective disaster management. The East Java Governor has urged all residents to obey restrictions in the danger zone and evacuate immediately when instructed.

Mount Semeru, also known as Mahameru, is one of approximately 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia. The nation sits astride the "Pacific Ring of Fire," a highly seismically active zone where tectonic plates meet, causing frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.

The last major eruption of Semeru was in December 2021, which tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 51 people and the burial of nearby villages in ash and mud. The high-level alert status remains in effect as authorities continue to monitor the volcano's activity for any further signs of instability. (ILKHA)