Home / Disasters and Accidents / Indonesia Volcano Erupts, Spewing 54,000ft Ash Cloud
Indonesia Volcano Erupts, Spewing 54,000ft Ash Cloud
19 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Mount Semeru erupted, sending a 54,000ft ash cloud into the sky.
- Australia's Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre issued a flight safety warning.
- Residents were warned to stay clear of the volcano due to potential dangers.
Mount Semeru, an Indonesian volcano, erupted on Tuesday morning, ejecting an enormous ash cloud reaching 54,000 feet. The eruption, which began at 6:11 am local time, sent residents scrambling for safety and triggered a flight advisory from Australia's Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC).
Astonishing footage shared on social media captured the thick, gray ash plume extending to the north and northwest. Mount Semeru is currently at Alert Level II, with authorities warning the public to remain outside a 2,500-meter radius from the crater to mitigate potential hazards from hot clouds and lava flows.
Further warnings were issued concerning the potential for lahars, or volcanic mudflows, along several river valleys originating from the volcano's peak. These include Besuk Kobokan, Besuk Bang, Besuk Kembar, and Besuk Sat, as well as smaller tributaries feeding into Besuk Kobokan.
