Mount Semeru volcano eruption in Indonesia kills 34, injures 169

 December 7, 2021: An eruption of Mount Semeru, a volcano in the East Java province of the Indonesian island of Java has claimed lives of 34 people and injured 169 others.

The volcanic eruption at Mount Semeru started on December 4, 2021 after heavy precipitation caused the collapse of lava dome at the summit.

People have been asked not to travel within 5 km of Semeru’s crater, as the nearby air is highly polluted and could affect vulnerable groups.

According to the Center of Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), a warning for potential eruption of Mount Semeru was sent via the  WhatsApp group chat four days prior to the eruption. However, the local people claimed that they did not receive any early warning for the volcano eruption. 

The deadliest eruption at Semeru occurred on 29 August 1909 which killed 208 people.