Indonesia volcano: authorities race to evacuate remaining villagers amid eruptions

Mount Semeru spews ash and smoke as authorities race to evacuate remaining villagers.

Authorities in Indonesia are racing to evacuate remaining villagers from the slopes of Mount Semeru, as the volcano continues to erupt. The volcano, located in East Java, has been spewing ash and smoke into the air, and lava has been flowing down its slopes.

The eruptions have caused widespread damage to homes and infrastructure, and have forced thousands of people to flee their homes. The Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said that at least 13 people have been killed and 56 injured in the eruptions.

Evacuations underway as volcano continues to erupt

The BNPB said that more than 2,000 people have been evacuated from the area around Mount Semeru, and that evacuation efforts are ongoing. The agency said that it is working with local authorities to provide shelter and assistance to those who have been displaced.

The eruptions have also caused disruptions to air travel, with several airports in East Java being closed due to the ashfall. The BNPB said that it is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they become available.

Mount Semeru is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes. It last erupted in December 2020, killing at least 21 people and causing widespread damage.

Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region of frequent seismic and volcanic activity. The country has more than 17,000 islands, and many of them are home to active volcanoes.