Indonesian volcano erupts spreading ash and smoke into the atmosphere

Mount Semeru in Indonesia erupted spewing ash and smoke into the air.

Mount Semeru is a stratovolcano situated in East Java, Indonesia. It is the highest mountain of Java Island with an altitude of 3,676 meters and one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. The volcano formed in the subduction zone between the Indo-Australian Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Its activity is mainly associated with pyroclastic and lava flows mostly in its southeastern flank and with ash plumes spreading. Recent eruptions are generally characterized by small or moderate intensity.

The volcano erupted at around 10:24 GMT on January 16, 2021, sending ash and smoke to an estimated altitude of 5.6 kilometers above the ground. Indonesia's Disaster Mitigation Agency was alerted and advised people living in the vicinity of the volcano to be careful. Nevertheless, according to recent updates, no evacuations were necessary. 

Authorities warned people living in the downslope basin to be open-eyed for potential mudflows that consist of cold lava. This type of mudflow can be triggered in volcanic areas when heavy rainfalls strike.

Semeru volcano erupted again about a month ago and around 550 local residents were evacuated.

Footage from the eruption has been captured on camera and can be found in the video below.

Indonesia was also recently struck by a powerful M6.2 earthquake which caused severe ramifications in Sulawesi Island.