UNS — Mount Semeru in Lumajang District, East Java erupted on Saturday (5/12/2021) without forewarning signs. The sudden eruption damaged the surrounding regions, caused material losses, and claimed the local residents’ life. The eruption also triggered the increase of volcanic activities in other mountains.
Mount Semeru erupted in its 2nd danger level (Waspada), while the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) reported that there are three other volcanoes with higher danger status in the Indonesia region, Mount Merapi, Mount Sinabung, and Mount Ili Lewotolok, all with danger level III (Siaga). These mountains also showed increasing volcanic activities following the Mount Semeru eruption.
The Chief of Disaster Study Center (PSB) LPPM Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, Prof. Dr. Chatarina Muryani, M.Si., stated that it is a common phenomenon that one volcano eruption triggers the increase of other mountains activities around it.
“Usually, if there are volcanic activities, those surrounding it or in one line with it also show an increase in activity,” Prof. Chatarina stated.
According to her, it is strongly correlated with Indonesia’s position on the active tectonic plates. The collision between these plates could trigger volcanic activities. Thus, explaining the large numbers of volcanoes in Indonesia and its ‘Ring of Fire’ title. Volcanoes in the same tectonic plate have a high probability of affecting one another. Thus, explaining the ‘trigger’ of Mount Semeru’s eruption on the surrounding mountains. This phenomenon demands close attention from the community, considering that the Mount Semeru eruption came without warning signs.
“There are many theories on the sudden eruption of Semeru. It could be caused by high precipitation that causes the collapse of the lava dome and eruption. However, Semeru eruption can be categorized as small because the volcanic materials ejected were in a small volume. However, all regions with volcanoes should be aware of this,” Prof. Chatarina added.
Further, the professor in Geography Education Program UNS suggested that all districts will volcano devise a contingency plan and have the preparedness to evacuate their people if a sudden eruption occurs. Local government is also suggested to provide more socialization on disaster mitigation for eruption, including what people must do during the eruption event, the evacuation sites, and other things, continuously to local people. Local government and related institutions are also demanded to socialize and apply the disaster Early Warning System (EWS).
PSB UNS is conducting a study on Mount Semeru eruption using satellite imagining, mapping areas covered by volcanic mudflow, and developing disaster-prone areas after the eruption. The results of this study will be delivered to the government as a suggestion. Humas UNS
Reporter: Ida Fitriyah
Editor: Dwi Hastuti